"The Band" played at the Cuda Cafe in April, 2007. Shay on bass. Alexander on Strat. Joe on Les Paul.

NEXT STUDENT RECITALS:  Sunday April 11, 2010

General Recital Information:  

  • Deadline for Song Selection and Permission Form:  One month before the recital. 
  • Permission-Registration Form:   www.markolsonguitar.com/permission.html 
  • Place:  The Spring 2010 Recital will be at the Keystone Grill, in their banquet room, in downtown Cambridge, 206 W. Main.  Visit www.thekeystonegrill.com .  Past recitals have been at the Presbyterian Church in Cambridge, the Cafe Carpe in Fort Atkinson, and the Cuda Cafe in Deerfield.
  • Time:  Please arrive no later than 1:45 to get settled and tuned up.  If you are bringing your own amp or effects pedal, come even earlier to get it plugged in and set up ahead of time.  The first song starts at 2:00PM. 
  • Intermission?:  Depending on the number of participants, an intermission break is appreciated by all.  To avoid distracting the performers, please make beverage and food beverages before the show starts or at intermission.  All participants are encouraged to attend and stay to support performers in both sets.
  • No Snacks:  Please bring no snacks or treats to recitals at restaurant style venues.  At restaurant venues, food and beverages may be purchased.  For recitals at the church, parents and Big Time music have provided some snacks for a social hour after the recitals.  An email update will provide more information, or call if you have any questions.
  • What Performers Bring:  Guitar, tuner, capo, batteries if you need them, and music if you need it.  Bring an extra cord to use with your effects pedal if you are bringing one.  I will have the studio amps there for you to use, but bring your own if you want your special sound.  Please have a set of extra strings tucked in your case, to replace one if (and when) it breaks.  Please no brand new guitars, amps or effects pedals on recital day.  The venues have been providing microphones.  Big Time Music will bring amps, cords, the studio stools, and one music stand.
  • Audience Space Limits:  The banquet room at the Keystone Grill appears to be able to seat from 100-120.  This means each performer can bring, on average, three (3) family members or friends.
     
  • Performance Order:  In general, younger students and beginners will perform first.  Exact order will be announced at the recital.  Song styles, duo arrangements, and whether vocals are involved has some role in placement.
  • Solo's or Duets.  No Trio's:  While duet performances are encouraged, they will require LOTS of practice time together outside of lessons.  Students may perform a duet ONLY if they commit to practicing with their partner both at lessons and outside of lessons for several weeks in advance.  Duets usually feature one student on lead guitar (melody) and one student on rhythm (chords).  The student playing rhythm (or "second guitar") will be allowed to perform again.
  • Sound System?:  A "sound guy" will manage sound at the spring recital at the Keystone Grill.  Acoustic guitars will be miked, even if yours can be plugged in.  Singers will be miked.  Amps will be miked.  Will the sound be perfect?  NO, but we will do our best.  All guitars and guitarists and singers have different outputs.  This makes getting the sound exactly right for everyone nearly impossible, but we will do our best.  Thank you in advance for understanding.

Past Recitals:

  • April, 2010:  The Keystone Grill.  Cambridge. 
  • October 2009:  Oakland Presbyterian Church.  Cambridge 
  • April 2009:  Oakland Presbyterian Church.  Cambridge. 
  • November 2008:  Cafe Carpe.  Fort Atkinson 
  • April 2008:  Cafe Carpe, Fort Atkinson 
  • October 2007: Cafe Carpe, Fort Atkinson 
  • April 2007: Cuda Cafe, Deerfield
  • November 2006: Cuda Cafe, Deerfield
  • April 2006: Cafe Carpe, Fort Atkinson

Recital Rationale: 

Performing for others creates a situation in which quality of execution matters, and recitals are realistic performance opportunities.  I try to coordinate at least two recitals per year.  These are not guaranteed as part of lessons, nor are students required to participate.  Since performing is an important part of musicianship, so I like to have recitals when possible.  They are free for the students and families.  Students are asked to memorize their pieces when possible. 

To make the experiences as real as possible, I try to use a real performance setting, like the Cafe Carpe's music room or the Cuda Cafe.  Both of these settings have real stages, lights, and sound systems.  Recently, the Presbyterian Church near our house has made itself available to us, and this is the closest venue.   

There is usually time for students to do one song only, and students may choose to perform with another student.  Because there is often a few minutes between performers, the audience's patience is appreciated.

One good thing about recitals is that drawing a good crowd is easy, and they are always supportive and attentive.  Families and friends are invited, though seating at the Cafe Carpe is limited to about 50 non-performers per set.  Students require 10-15 seats per set.