1 Oct 2026
Measure 22: Wait, We're Playing a Concert?!
Beginning band concerts can feel huge—for students, families, and directors. In this episode of Band Room Therapy, Ryan Ashley, Jeff Simpson, Bridget Steppen, and Nicole Vaughn share practical, encouraging ideas for planning a first concert that celebrates growth over perfection.
They talk concert formats, helping anxious beginners feel safe on stage, choosing achievable music, involving families, setting expectations for concert etiquette, and the behind-the-scenes details that make the night run smoothly.
Whether you’re a new band director planning your first beginner concert or a veteran looking for fresh ideas, this conversation is full of reminders to keep it simple, supportive, and student-centered.
In this episode:
Low-pressure first-concert formats
Helping students handle nerves, squeaks, and mistakes
Setting realistic musical goals
Making families part of the learning process
Teaching concert etiquette for students and audiences
Concert attire, student speakers, setup, and logistics
Final encouragement for directors and young musicians
Sponsers:
Standing O Marching
Sight Reading Factory
RCP Drum Company
Wenger for Music Education
https://wengercorp.com/triplethreats?utm_source=BTP&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2627WCTT&utm_content=midrollad (https://wengercorp.com/triplethreats?utm_source=BTP&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2627WCTT&utm_content=midrollad)
Timestamps
00:00 A reminder: parents love their beginning musicians
00:57 Welcome to Band Room Therapy
03:44 When each program starts beginning band
04:19 Class sizes, instrumentation, and teaching setups
09:11 What should a first beginner concert look like?
10:21 Keeping first performances short and meaningful
11:32 Creating an informal, interactive concert
13:45 Helping students work through stage nerves
17:34 Why mistakes are part of learning
18:39 Handling squeaks, squawks, and wrong notes
20:12 Building a concert around student growth
25:22 Getting parents involved in the concert
27:42 Helping families understand what band class is
29:19 Inviting parents into the band room
37:11 Choosing music for the first concert
38:47 Why the concert experience—not difficulty—is the challenge
41:43 Adjusting repertoire to each group of beginners
45:22 The bigger goals of a first performance
49:11 Teaching stage decorum and performance expectations
51:20 Helping families learn concert etiquette
54:34 Planning attire, speaking parts, and logistics
59:40 A concert-uniform story every director will understand
62:29 Final advice for first-time concert directors and students
