Music teachers tend to be familiar with the challenge of transforming ordinary classroom spaces into performance venues. Whether it's the school hall doubling as a concert space or trying to create proper sightlines for your choir in a standard classroom, the struggle for suitable staging can be a tough one. Enter Wenger flipFORMS – a colourful modular staging solution that revolutionises how schools approach classroom seating and staging.
What are flipFORMS?
Wenger flipFORMS are cleverly designed modular platforms that can be configured into different arrangements to suit your specific needs. These adaptable units can easily transition between seating, standing, or platform configurations, instantly transforming any environment into a functional space.
They aren't just simple ‘risers’. Each platform is engineered with safety and functionality in mind, featuring non-slip surfaces, secure interlocking mechanisms, and optional safety rails. When connected, they create a stable, professional-grade performance platform that works just as well as most permanent fixtures.
What does Wenger say?
“Since their introduction, flipFORMS have become one of the most quickly accepted product innovations in our history. That’s because they were designed to meet needs that no other piece of equipment can meet — fast-changing, flexible, fun, interactive environments that adapt to the way you teach.”
Why they're brilliant for schools
A music room might host a string quartet rehearsal in the morning, accommodate a choir after lunch, and transform into a staging area for a recital in the evening. flipFORMS allow the department to adapt effortlessly to each scenario. The modular design means you can create intimate performance spaces for small ensembles or expansive staging for large productions.
We all know storage is at a premium in schools. When not in use, flipFORMS stack neatly and store in remarkably compact spaces. No more permanent risers taking up valuable room when you need the space for other activities.
Unlike heavy, cumbersome staging that requires a team of adults and potentially specialist equipment, flipFORMS are designed to be manageable. Built-in wheels housed in reinforced wheel pockets provide one-person portability, and older students can safely help with setup and configuration, turning what was once a logistical headache into a learning opportunity about technical theatre and event production.
For schools operating on tight budgets, flipFORMS offer professional-quality staging without the expense of permanent installation. They're an investment that serves multiple departments – music, drama, and general school events – making them easier to justify financially.
Practical applications in education
Flexible classroom seating
Traditional classroom layouts often leave students at the back struggling to see and participate fully. flipFORMS create tiered seating arrangements that ensure every student has clear sightlines to the board, teacher, or demonstration area. This is particularly valuable for music theory lessons, where visual elements like notation and conducting gestures are crucial.
Use the platforms strategically to improve classroom dynamics. Elevated seating naturally improves attention and engagement, whilst the ability to create distinct areas helps with behaviour management and group work organisation. Students may well respond positively to the novelty and professionalism of tiered arrangements.
Interactive learning spaces
Configure platforms to create discussion circles, small group work areas, or presentation spaces within your classroom. Students can move between different areas for particular activities – perhaps ground level for individual practice, raised platforms for ensemble work, and tiered seating for listening and analysis sessions. Better still, you can colour code your areas with the vibrant hues offered by flipFORMS.
flipFORMS are also brilliant for drama rooms. Not only do they give students and opportunity to build more intricate staging into their work, but you can also use them to demarcate a ‘performance’ space within the classroom, and to create a tiered ‘audience’ space for the rest of the class to watch from.
Better rehearsal configurations
Each ensemble’s rehearsal needs are rarely identical. flipFORMS allow you to quickly reconfigure your space – for an orchestra, you can use it to quickly construct some raised seating for the brass section, creating a better soundscape and more professional layout.
You can also make proper choral risers that allow every voice to be heard clearly. The dual-height system means you can quickly adjust configurations for different sized choirs or mixed-age performances, whilst also improving sightlines for conducting and blend assessment. Wenger also have bespoke choral risers for the same purpose, but without the same adaptability.
Quickfire configurations
Platforms
The ideal shape for small group choreography, colour-coded teams, tables and more. A set of four can be pushed together to make an 8' x 10' (2438 x 3048 mm) performance stage.
Tiered seating
Flip the larger section onto the core to create two tiers of seating. Stable, comfortable, quiet seating that eliminates a room full of chairs without doing away with a place for students to sit.
Standing risers
Another simple flip creates great standing risers for rehearsals or performances. Risers elevate students so they can be seen and heard by teachers and parents.
Out of the way
flipFORMS tip up onto stable wheels and can easily be rolled out of the way and into compact storage. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can open up your room and move between lesson activities with flipFORMS.
Safety and quality considerations
Wenger has built its reputation on understanding the needs of educational environments. flipFORMS include thoughtful safety features like rounded corners, secure locking mechanisms, and optional guardrails. The shell has skid resistant texture moulded into the upper surface for added safety and sure-footedness, whilst the blow moulded, high-density polyethylene plastic construction ensures strong longevity even with regular use, supporting a maximum load of 125 lb/ft² (610 kg/m²).
Making the investment work
When considering flipFORMS for your school, think beyond just the music department. Speak with colleagues in drama, dance, and general school events. The more departments that can benefit, the stronger your case for investment becomes. In many cases, the flexibility and professional results could quickly justify the initial outlay.
flipFORMS really are a long-term investment. In terms of maintenance, the surfaces are easy to simply wipe clean, and they can be replaced easily with spare parts readily available from Wenger. Moreover, Wenger now offers a huge 10 year manufacturer warranty, safeguarding any school’s investment for the future and maximising value-for-money. If this doesn’t convince those in control of the budget, we’re not sure what will!
In conclusion…
Wenger flipFORMS let you move away from "making do" with inadequate staging, instead providing students with proper performance and learning platforms that enhance their musical education. They're not just about creating better lessons and concerts – they're about giving students the tools they need to develop concentration, confidence, and stage presence.
Wenger Corporation, founded in 1946, designs and manufactures equipment for music education, performing arts, and athletic programs. With an extensive and diverse catalogue, Wenger provides solutions for acoustics, staging, storage, and athletic facilities. Known for quality and durability, the company partners with architects, educators, and planners to support performance and training environments across schools, theatres, and sports venues.
You can find more Wenger products, including their popular string instrument racks, here.
