When music teachers think about the three artistic processes of the National Core Arts Standards (create, perform, and respond), we know that without a doubt that we teach students how to perform. Every year we prepare classes for school and community performances where students sing and play songs that they have learned. We know how to rehearse and refine performances in preparation for these regular performances. However, the standards outline more components to performing than just rehearsing and presenting. This column will explore concert preparation from the lens of the National Core Arts Standards and suggest activities and assessment strategies for each part of the standard.