For our last small group before a concert, we'll often play "Name that Tune." First we rosin bows as I walk through the call time and concert details with the students. Then, for "Name that Tune" I'll play a note or two or three of a part of one of their concert pieces. Once someone correctly identifies the piece, I have students pull out their music to find the measure number(s) of the excerpt, and then we play the whole piece together and touch up whatever needs touching up.
A variation on this game is to make it rhythm only, and I'll clap a distinctive rhythmic pattern from each of their pieces. Another variation (challenge) would be to include an excerpt or rhythm pattern that a different instrument plays--not a part that the specific kids in that small group play.
I'm often surprised by which students are quickly able to identify the concert piece--they're not always the strongest players--and the students like the game aspect of it (though we do not keep score in any way or recognize winners or anything). It's also more of a fun way to review the different concert pieces than just playing through everything once more before the concert.
When we play through concert pieces on this day, I like to play a different instrument's part along with the students (like I'll play cello with a violin group or violin with a bass group etc.). It helps to develop their chamber music skills and makes students more aware of what another instrument is doing while they're playing their part. And there are always students surprised that I know how to play a different instrument than they're used to seeing me play :) I also get students who look at the white board when they arrive and ask which song is "Name that Tune"...
At the end of this small group, we'll use a cloth to wipe the rosin dust off our strings and instruments so they're totally set to go for the concert, we'll get our music in concert order, and then I always ask which piece they're each most looking forward to performing at the concert.
What kind of lesson plans work well for you as you approach a concert?
