Director's Feedback - Kindermusik withCath - concert:
I would like to give you my objective impression of the concert as I was there in my capacity as director of KSA. I have attended many Kindermusik year end functions over the years which I believe qualifies me as fairly knowledgeable with regards to concerts.
Catherine effectually communicated on a regular basis with her parents before the concert and as I was on her guest list I was also privy to all these e-mails. Parents were therefore fully aware of all the arrangements regarding the concert. The invitations clearly showed that the concert would start at 11h30. I later heard that some parents arrived as early as 09h00! This no doubt made for a long day for both parents and children alike.
I arrived at the Barnyard at 10h50. There was sufficient parking and even a play area for the children which included a sandpit that was safe and clean for children and toddlers. Restaurants and coffee shops also form part of the venue.
When I entered the spacious foyer of the Barnyard, there was a well marked table for parents to purchase tickets, receive a beautiful program or get assistance. Even the ablutions were well marked.
The theatre had more than sufficient tables and chairs set out. The Barnyard is an upmarket ‘dinner theatre’ which enables people to order food and drinks during the show and I was impressed by the staff’s quick, efficient service.
The stage was beautifully draped with fairy lights, making for a most impressive display.
Catherine started the concert 11h35. There were technical problems with the sound system which caused a delay of approximately 5 minutes. An electrical storm the previous night was responsible for the damage to the sound equipment as well as to the air conditioning system. Fortunately the technicians were able to quickly restore the sound and the quality of which remained excellent throughout the show.
Catherine, as the educator, welcomed her parents after which I was asked to give a short introduction to the Kindermusik program. She arranged the children in different age groups as indicated in the program they were following. Each group was colour coded for easy identification. It was a clever, workable system. Catherine also hired 5 au-pairs to assist her with the children as she wanted to present a concert that was orderly and streamlined.
The theatre does not have stage curtains which can be opened and closed at the start or end of each segment therefore the children had to move across an open stage for each presentation. Everyone around me was amazed at the discipline of these little ones. In the centre of the stage, the T-shaped steps were draped with fairy lights. As concern was raised that the children may slip and fall, Catherine invited the parents who did not want their children alone on the stage, to sit on the steps behind them. She then placed the children in the front area of the stage to do their items. I was amazed at how many parents used this opportunity to be on the stage with their kiddies and a thoroughly enjoyable time was had by everyone!
I unfortunately cannot recall how many items were performed by each group, but they were amazing. Catherine used sign language to communicate with them and there was not one mistake during the presentations. Considering the ages of the little one, many were in awe of the audience and openly stared at them with absolute fascination. But, it was not long before they recovered their little composures and once again joined in with the rest of their group!
Before each item, Catherine briefly explained the FOLs to the parents. This proved interesting and was well received. About halfway through the concert, I noticed a mother walk up to Catherine and say something to her. I did not take much notice and was not overly concerned. About 15 minutes later the same mother walked over to our table and confronted me. She grabbed me by my shoulder and told me how disgusted she was with this ‘pathetic’ concert. I was so shocked it took me a moment to realise what was happening. I asked her what had upset her and she said she come to watch her child perform, but instead had been subjected to watching other children. She insisted that her child should also be permitted on the stage for 45 minutes. I tried to explain to her that the children were divided into different age groups and programs and that they were performing according to that. She insisted on a refund as she felt she should pay a pro-rata amount for only the time her child was on the stage! I asked her for her name which she refused to give. Everyone at my table was totally shocked at her outburst and behaviour. Although I personally did not know anyone at my table, they started discussing the incident amongst themselves and repeatedly reassured me that they had thoroughly enjoyed themselves!
It was Catherine’s first Kindermusik concert and in my opinion was a raving success. With such events, one can only learn and improve with each show.
The problems experienced that evening were:
1. The damaged air conditioner due to an electrical storm the previous night which resulted in a hot and stuffy theatre. The Barnyard took responsibility for this and Catherine apologized to the parents for the inconvenience. All the doors were opened to allow ventilation and fresh air to flow through the theatre.
2. The program may have been too long (2 hours).
3. Rehearsals should be arranged for the day prior and not for the day of the concert.
4. A bigger stage would have been preferable, but as you are, no doubt, aware every venue has its own setbacks.
Catherine's love and compassion for her children was clearly demonstrated throughout the concert and I am proud of her.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information.
Kind regards
Grietjie Hefer
Director – Kindermusik SA |
