MHLS - Teen Music Programs

Teen Program with Music Tie-in

Battle of the Bands/Band Night/Concert in the Park-Can be done as competition between local bands just getting started or just invite local bands to perform for teen audience. If library cannot provide space, try to get local park, fire house, church, community center to offer space. If advertising is good, libraries often find they get a very large turnout so this is a great opportunity to show local teens the library wants to offer them great programs.
CD Swap - Teens bring in CDs they no longer want and swap with others. Do display of CDs, books about musicians, concerts on DVD which library owns that would appeal to teens.
Live Clue (From RoseMary Honnold)
Movie Night-Show some movies that teens might like--some classics with updated versions, movies with books tie-in, musicals. Provide popcorn. Suggested movies
Music Discussion Group (instead of book discussion) - Set up discussion time, allow teens to bring in music to listen to and discuss why they like it. Everyone can bring one CD and group discusses each one.
Name that Tune-Set up CD player and gather variety of music from current hits to older music. Divide teens into teams or let them play individually. Play short selection of tune and give certain amount of time for answers. Provide some prizes, like gift certificate to local book/music store, movie ticket.
Online Teen Pop Culture Quizzes - These might be played online in the library with a group of teens or adapted for use offline. Some quizzes deal with music.
Pizza Taste Off (From RoseMary Honnold)
Sock Hop-Set up space to provide dance room. Have music teens will dance to, local band if you can get one to do it as practice or exposure. Admission is pair of new socks, to be donated to local homeless shelter.
Swing/Line Dance Program - Find dance instructor or someone in your community who dances to do demo and then hold "dance". This might also be done as a Senior Prom, where senior citizens and teens come together and share their respective dance styles; provide decorations and refreshments as your budget allows.
Tune In to Others-Teens gather to make "thinking of you" cards for soldiers, people in local nursing homes or hospitals. Provide craft supplies, computer program for designing cards. Make sure to offer snacks for teens.