Bands and musical performances
What to expect
There are loads of different genres of music and ways to perform. Some people are suited to solos, while others prefer the solidarity of a band or choir. It doesn’t matter whether you’re into jazz, rock, pop, or something more traditional like a brass band; if you stick at it and take your time, you can put on a stunning show.
It’s not an easy ride – the journey to your big performance will be full of times you have to get back up and try again, but it’ll all be worth it when you take a deep breath, ace the first note, and let your musical talent shine.
The best thing about performances is that it’s not just the performers who benefit. The audience get to enjoy your art and expression too – perhaps you’ll even inspire someone to give it a go.
What you’ll learn
Making music is fun, and most people love to share their talents, but preparing for a performance takes it to a next level. Rehearsing and practising can feel repetitive, so you’ll have to keep your goal in mind to keep you going. Listening to others and pushing yourself to do your best will help your performance shine – but they’re also great skills for life too.
Fun facts
- Did you know that there’s a National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band? Every year they hold a week long residential course which finishes with concerts – Scouts and Guides aged between 12 and 25 can apply if they’ve reached a certain grade in the instruments they’re looking for.
- Scout bands and musical groups have performed at all kinds of venues – not just town halls. Some of the more famous locations include Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, and the O2 arena, so dream big and see where it takes you.
Handy hints
- Keep a water bottle nearby. It’s especially important for vocalists and people playing woodwind or brass instruments, but rehearsals are hard work and everyone will want to stay hydrated.
- Don’t skip the warm up. It’s not the most interesting part of a rehearsal, but it’s important to warm up (and tune your instruments) before playing.
Safety
You must always:
- Complete a risk assessment
- Have the right ratios of number of adults to provide suitable supervision
- Set up an InTouch process
- Know what to do in an emergency
- Share information with parents and carers with an activity information form
- Get approval from your commissioner
Be safe outdoors:
- Check the weather forecast
Performance:
- Get approval from your Commissioner to perform in public
- Follow the assessment criteria in the relevant toolkit
Joint activities with other organisations:
- This activity can be run jointly with Girlguiding.
- This activity can be run with other organisations.
This activity can be led by you or someone else in Scouts
You can go to a centre or use an activity leader who is not part of Scouting:
You must find a suitable provider who meets the following requirements:The provider must have public liability insurance.
Guidance
Reflection
Taking part in a band or musical performance is a great chance to show off skills, but everyone who’s ever picked up an instrument knows they’re not mastered overnight. How long have the performers been learning their instruments for? How often do they practise? Some people may have started recently, while others may have had more time to practise: they’ll probably all say that they had to stick at it and put the work in to get so good. Has anyone overcome any challenges along the way? Perhaps people mastered a particularly tricky piece, or didn’t give up, even when it was tricky to find time to practise in their busy lives.
Star performers aren’t the only people needed to put on a show. You’ll need plenty of people working behind the scenes to make a successful performance. Anyone who doesn’t want to perform could get stuck in as part of the technical crew, for example, mixing sound or designing lighting.
- Talk to everyone involved to see how you can make your performance accessible. Perhaps some people would rather perform in a big group, or they’d prefer to do a special performance for a select few chosen ‘fans’.
- Think about how to make your performance accessible for the audience too. When you invite people (whether it’s with flyers, posters, or emails), make sure you include information about the accessibility of the venue: is it step free? What about accessible toilets? What public transport links and parking are available? You could also look at relaxed performances, which are adapted so everyone’s welcome. Find out more on the National Autistic Society or Official London Theatre websites.
All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.
The Musician Staged Activity Badge is the perfect way for performers to hone their talents as they move through the stages.