Help participants channel their inner Milli Vanilli while learning stage presence
A Lip Sync Battle is a fun and silly “performance” that gets participants to know each other and conquer their stage fright. Vocal performers lip sync on stage in front of their peers while instrumentalist “air” play (guitar, bass, drums, keys, etc). This helps eliminate the need for knowing how to play while allowing inexperienced performance start to think about stage presence and getting comfortable in front of a crowd.
Go beyond “check one, two!” Tips that help participants feel comfortable and sound their best
Many young musicians have never performed on stage in front of others and the experience can be overwhelming. Give you participants opportunities to discuss and practice seven tips to have an effective soundcheck. Topics include helping your participants understand the importance of being friendly, on time, prepared, aware, assertive, realistic, and respectful.
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How to…
Before a performance, schedule a soundcheck rehearsal to discuss and practice the seven tips below. Use your personal performance experience to discuss why these proper etiquette during a soundcheck is important and how it will ultimately benefit their performance and sound. After the discussion, run practice soundchecks to help participants understand what makes an effective soundcheck. Help reduce stress and make the process fun until everyone is comfortable with their sound.
Seven Tips for an Effective Soundcheck:
Be friendly: No egos. Everyone is learning, trying their best, and wants you to sound your best.
Be on time: Whether you’re part of a band or solo act, there may be others waiting for you to check.
Be prepared: Do you have all your gear? Are you in tune? Are you mentally prepared?
Be aware: Watch the front of house sound engineer for any instructions or questions.
Be assertive: Can hear yourself and others? Having other issues? Speak up (in a nice way).
Be realistic: Don’t be shy! Perform like it’s the show – this helps engineer get accurate level settings.
Be respectful: Don’t distract others while they are sound checking by talking or playing an instrument.
Specific soundcheck tips for the band:
Singers:
Want to sound your best? Sing an actual song (don’t just repeat, “check 1, 2…”)
Sing close to the mic (the sound engineer will turn your volume up or down when needed)
Please DON’T tap the mic!
Pointing the mic at monitors or speakers will cause feedback
Instrumentalists:
Set your stage level volume on your amp/instrument so that you can hear yourself
Please don’t adjust knobs or levels when you’re done checking (unless asked)
Sound engineers will make you louder/softer for the audience as needed
Create a safe and fun environment for participants to Create a safe and fun environment for participants to gain confidence performing in front of others
Performance Games help build your participants’ performance skills and confidence on stage in a less intimidating way than a full-fledged performance. These events are perfect for participants not quite ready for an open mic night or other public events. Provide regular opportunities that are fun, relevant, and interactive to help build confidence and a sense of community.
Performance Games can be used as an incentive or a break from the normal routine. For example, guitar participants could participate in Air Guitar instead of their weekly lesson or vocalists could create a Karaoke Competition.
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How to…
Use popular culture TV, YouTube shows, or late-night talk show skits. Involve your participants in creating fun team building games and activities that anyone can participate in, regardless of skill
Set rules and expectations for participation (ie. no “booing”) to support an empathetic culture of caring and respect among participants
Keep these activities “in-house” and small scale
When participants are ready, encourage them to raise the stakes of their performances (e.g. perform at an open mic night or showcase event, etc)
Set up a weekly or monthly rotation of fun activities/events such as:
Karaoke Competition: Using the popular TV show (or any variation of karaoke) singers have a safe way to perform in front of their peers. Set up 4-5 chairs in the same way a car would be set up and have participants sing along to their favorite artist.
Lip Sync Competition: Each participant picks his or her favorite song to lip-sync. The focus is on the believability of the performer.
Air Guitar or Air Band Competition: Performance is mostly classic guitarist moves such as jumping, spinning, headbanging, etc. The audience votes for a winner (by applause) and they win a prize.
Beatbox Battle: Separated into age divisions (13-15 & 16-18), each participant gets 3 minutes to show off his or her beatbox skills.
Singing Bee Competition: A list of popular songs are chosen and presented for each contestant. At a certain point, the music stops and the participant must complete the lyrics. The judging is based on knowledge of lyrics, not on vocal talent.
Battle of the Bands: Form groups who perform and ”battle” each other for the top prize.
Lobby Performances: Regularly scheduled (e.g. once per month) time when a small ensemble performs in the lobby welcoming members and guests to the building.
“Rock Band” Competition: Sign up “bands” of 4 members each and have them compete in a battle of the bands type event using the popular video game, “Rock Band.”
“Guitar Hero” Competition: Using the popular video game, “Guitar Hero,” host a competition in each level of ability. The winners of each level then compete head to head. Overall winner is based on the percentage of accurate notes played.
