First Performance National Day of Celebration

Host a First Performance National Day of Celebration annually on the third Thursday of November to honor and recognize the achievements of beginning instrumental music students.

The First Performance National Day of Celebration

The First Performance National Day of Celebration is celebrated annually on the third Thursday of November to honor and recognize the achievements of beginning instrumental music students and to help them discover the joy that comes along with performing with others—either live or in a virtual setting. The virtual version of this event is pre-recorded and available to be accessed and implemented whenever directors choose—ideally, within the first 8 to 10 weeks of school. It couldn't be easier.

Through the presentation of this demonstration concert, beginners are provided with the opportunity to showcase their newly acquired musical skills for the very first time in a successful venue with a supportive audience. Parents will be delighted to hear the progress of their child in a fun and entertaining setting that requires a minimum of extra work for the teacher. All First Performance National Day of Celebration materials are available to download below at no charge.

The First Performance National Day of Celebration is also available VIRTUALLY!

The Virtual First Performance National Day of Celebration is provided by the Music Achievement Council as an opportunity for beginning students to perform in their first concert in the early part of the year even if attending school in a virtual environment. Hal Leonard has provided PDFs of the parts, including Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, and Bass Clarinet, that directors can download below to share with students. For added support, Hal Leonard has also provided audio recordings so that students can hear their parts and practice them right along with the recordings to help prepare for the performance. On the scheduled day and time of the First Performance National Day of Celebration demonstration concert, students simply log onto YouTube to follow the conductor and play along Karaoke-style in front of family members at home.

The objectives of the First Performance National Day of Celebrations are:

To reduce the beginner dropout rate
To provide short-range incentive goals
To encourage communication with parents
To further strengthen administrative support and
To celebrate the musical accomplishments of students

The FPNDOC Toolkit includes:

Template letter/invitation to parents
Template letter/invitation to the principal/administration
Customizable PDF Certificate of Advancement
Template scripts
Template Press Release Materials

The sound of applause early in a musician's life can encourage continued growth and lead to a lifetime of music-making. This easy-to-implement, turn-key program will serve to provide an exciting first step in that musical journey.