I’ve recently noticed an uptick in the number of conferences and group events that are looking for an energizer to get their attendees focused and ready to go. So I thought I’d explain how we’re using music as energizers at Kidbilly Music.
A Conference Needs An Energizer
The first question to answer is why a conference needs an energizer of any kind.
The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed. – Carl Jung.
Most of us plan conferences to achieve some type of transformation – an exchange of energy and forward movement. If you choose a great conference energizer, you’ll be well on your way toward achieving your conference goals.
Using Music As Energizers, Why?
Like most of my favorite things, our musical energizer program was born out of demand and creative experimentation. I didn’t wake up one morning with a light bulb moment that said, ‘wow I need to develop a musical energizer’! I had clients who wanted the fun and visceral experience of our music team building programs but needed an event that would work in a general session or keynote slot. At first, I wondered how we could create a song in about one hour with several hundred people or more. We, fortunately, found some clients early on who were willing to play with us; to beta our program as it evolved. And we now have a refined, high energy, highly interactive musical energizer that’s about the best keynote out there (in my humble opinion…)
How Music?
How do we get a group of several hundred or several thousand to create a song around their common experience in a short time? How do we engage and involve, break down barriers and move past inhibitions? We use music. Everyone has a deeply personal experience around music in their lives. Music touches all of us in a simple emotional way and opens us up. This always starts slowly, with doubt and hesitation. It always ends with conviction, enthusiasm and celebration. The transformational experience that comes from using music as energizers is a big part of the power of the experience itself.