Monster Concert 2023–Our 20th Anniversary Celebration Concert!
photo credit: Suzanne Haynes
| Since 2002, Boise Tuesday Musicale has held this annual multi-piano concert, known as the “Monster Concert.” It provides piano students with the unique opportunity to play in an ensemble with two students at each of the twelve pianos, each duo playing the same piece as a conductor leads the ensemble. An excellent rhythm section (drum set and bass) accompanies the piano ensemble for contemporary flair! Each year is built around a different theme, including a decorated stage and narration that weaves together approximately 20 pieces ranging from elementary through advanced levels. Students dress in costume to accompany the theme, or in concert white long-sleeved top and black pants or skirt. The excitement of performing as an ensemble grows even sweeter as the money raised from our annual 12-Piano Concert helps fund scholarship awards given to students in our Boise Tuesday Musicale Awards event! Each year BTM gives thousands of dollars to young artists of all ages up to 18, through the proceeds of this event and the generosity of our donors.Dunkley Music is the generous sponsor of this annual scholarship fundraiser! In addition to sponsoring BTM’s 12-Piano Concert, Dunkley Music continues to serve and support the community of educators in the Treasure Valley by providing all required music, catalogued in the front of their store on Eagle Road. We cannot possibly thank Dunkley’s enough for their support and gracious professionalism! | Event Date 2023 12-Piano Monster Concert Saturday, September 16, 2023 Tickets: $12/person or $30/family. Purchase at the door. CASH and CHECK ONLY. Chairman Nona Haddock redgrandma24@gmail.com For String/Winds Contact Maria Le mariale7827@gmail.com |
How do I register?
May 1, 2023 Registration opens for BTM Members.
May 15, 2023 Registration offered to other IFMC Groups state-wide.
June 15, 2023 Teachers may sign students up to play a second piece if there are still spots available.
August 15-September 2, 2023 Payments are accepted. Students who have not paid by September 2nd will be dropped.
Ticket Information
Proceeds from tickets help fund our Boise Tuesday Musicale Awards program, so your contribution is greatly appreciated! More information regarding ticket sales will be added at a later date.
When are rehearsals?
Rehearsals take place during the morning and afternoon of the event. They are scheduled back-to-back throughout the day, with a break before the formal concert that evening. Each level will be scheduled a 20-minute screening session backstage, followed immediately by a 20-minute group rehearsal on stage. The conductor may make a few suggestions or corrections and will quickly assess each group’s strengths and weaknesses to best utilize the group rehearsal time on stage.
How do I prepare my students?
Choose students with strong rhythm skills! Each level’s success depends on the students’ accuracy and their ability to stay on beat at the set tempo no matter what. Generally speaking, choose a piece below the student’s maximum level, vs. a challenging piece, so the student can concentrate on the ensemble more than hoping they can hit the right notes. Conductors often contact teachers to tell them the final tempo they’ve chosen and give them specific tips so students can come to rehearsal prepared and knowing what will be expected.
What do students like about this event? How do they grow from it?
This event gives students a concert stage, large ensemble experience. The repertoire includes well-known, fun pieces that are real crowd pleasers! It’s also a novel experience to play with a live rhythm section. Students can also choose to play with adults (parents and grandparents) for a special memory. Also, there’s less pressure performing with a group than in a solo performance, so many students enjoy performing more. Students MUST learn how to stay with the ensemble no matter a missed note, tricky rhythm, or other challenge, and this can be a very valuable learning experience. Some pieces on the repertoire list are taken from the NFMC Festival Duet list, and can also help students prepare for Fall Festival.