Why repertoire selection is important
We discuss:
- How repertoire forms the basis of the teaching and learning that goes on in our rehearsals
- How repertoire communicates what we value as educators
- How this may be our musicians' only exposure to this genre of music
Setting Musical Goals
- The importance of planning a year ahead
- The impact of setting long, medium and short term goals
- Where is your ensemble now? What skills do they currently have?
- Where do you want them to be in 12 months?
- What skills do they currently have?
- What skills & knowledge do they need to build to progress to the next ensemble or their next destination (college, community, music advocate/appreciator)
Where are they at now? Making A Skills Inventory
Download the Yearly Skill Development Planner Template and and fill it out for your ensemble!
How to inventory the incoming skills and abilities of the ensemble across 6 areas:
- Musical - technical skills (keys, dynamics, rhythms etc), theoretical knowledge
- Ensemble - internal pulse, intonation, balance, blend
- Listening - balance, blend, knowing how and where to listen
- Human - communication within ensemble, constructive feedback
- Behavioural - attentional control, not playing/speaking over others, concert etiquette, presentation skills
- Life Skills & Knowledge - attitude, perseverance, confidence, performance under pressure
Where do you want to go? Setting Long to Short Term Goals
- Set long term goals for your ensembles for the end of the year
- Plot backwards from one year in the future to now
- Scaffold skill development from Point A to Point B
Creating Your Performance Calendar
Download the Performance Calendar Template
- Add Performance details - date, venue, context, audience, music needed
- Add in rehearsal schedule - how many rehearsals for each performance, beware overlap between performances, public holidays, time between performances, special events
- Progress Accelerators - rehearsal camps, extended rehearsals, tours, contests, honor bands, workshops, guest clinicians
- Progress Decelerators - academic exams/testing/assessment, public holidays, snow days, emergencies, illness periods eg. winter, holiday periods, breaks between rehearsals
- Add in musical goals - allow buffer room, be ready to perform at least one rehearsal earlier than you think you should, have non-performance elements ready at least 2 rehearsals before the performance
Benefits of this process:
- No surprises!
- Always being prepared for each performance (both you and the ensemble!)
- Build in contingencies for common issues
- Monitor progress throughout the year - keep track of where you are
- Know at a glance where you are at any point in the year
ACTION STEPS
- Download the Yearly Skill Development Planner Template and fill it out for your ensemble/s
- Download the Performance Calendar Template and fill it out for your ensemble/s
Share your action steps with us on Instagram! Take a photo or screen shot, tag us @conductingartistry and use hashtag #conductingartistryinaction
Keep on learning!
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Books, including Planning Effective Rehearsals
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