Three Gifts: How to Make the Most of the Holiday Performance Season

It’s here! The holiday performance season includes one of your most-attended concerts of the year and the spirit of giving is in the air. We asked some of our most gifted directors to share tips for engaging their holiday audiences. We’d like to share three “gifts” with you that we’ve received from some of our wisest conductors.

Don’t wait—feel free to open them now!

Gold:
Engage with your audience

Engage with your audience. They’re eager for an escape from their frenzied and stressful lives, so start with a “thank you!” Of all the ways they could be spending their time, they chose to be with you.

“ Remember, in your community you’re a star who guides a musical family. Why not make your audience feel at home as members of the spirit of giving that lives in your ensemble? ”

So, be personable and share a holiday story about you and your family—and you and your ensemble members, too. Remember, in your community you’re a star who guides a musical family. Why not make your audience feel at home as members of the spirit of giving that lives in your ensemble?

Frankincense:
Make your supporters part of the story

Your audience members are honorary participants in your ensemble. You can’t exist without them; they help you keep the lights glowing. Tell them you chose your repertoire with them in mind and make them a part of the story. You can even solicit a favorite holiday memory from your ensemble members and then link it to one of your musical offerings. Or perhaps a member of your ensemble would like to remember a family member with a particular piece of music—and they can tell the story to your audience!

“ Your audience members are honorary participants in your ensemble. You can’t exist without them; they help you keep the lights glowing. Tell them you chose your repertoire with them in mind and make them a part of the story. ”

Myrrh:
Fundraise for your performance tour

Encore has given you the opportunity to offer either two free domestic airline tickets or a Fabulous Fundraiser trip for two to Paris or London as a way to raise money for your Encore performance tour. At your holiday concert, advertise these amazing opportunities by placing signage in the lobby or on a screen above the stage that lets your audience know the drawing is moments away.

Try a PowerPoint presentation with photos of your destinations. Sell tickets in the lobby as your audience enters. You can even have some associates with colorful aprons and hats “work the crowd” in the auditorium before the performance. Hold your drawing just before your last number and invite your local politician or a distinguished guest to pull the winning number. Include a gift basket with the winning ticket to allow your neighborhood businesses to show their support as well.

“ At your holiday concert, advertise these amazing opportunities by placing signage in the lobby or on a screen above the stage that lets your audience know the drawing is moments away. Your holiday concert is also a perfect time to share your upcoming tour plans with your audience. ”

Your holiday concert is also a perfect time to share your upcoming tour plans with your audience. And if you’re including audience members on your future tour, encourage them to pick up an itinerary in the lobby, along with a Registration Booklet.

Very best wishes from all of us at Encore Tours for a memorable holiday performance season. And thank you! Your continued loyalty is a gift that we cherish throughout the year.