I noticed something again last night. We had a new choir member come to rehearsal, and my rehearsal technique was much more focused.
Part of that is the time of the year, when there is a lot to be prepared, and there isn’t time to waste, but I’ve been aware of a pattern for some time: if there is somebody “new” at a rehearsal (or somebody watching from the back of the room) I tend to be more intentional about everything…I say everything… It is as if the energy level gets turned up several notches.
Here’s the interesting thing. My singers (in last night’s case) always rise to the challenge. This is an observable response from years of having this happen in different parts of the continent, with both amateur and professional musicians. At the end of these kinds of rehearsals, everyone’s tongue is (metaphorically) hanging out, but everybody knows how much work has been done to make things better, and can feel the sense of accomplishment at the results.
For me it works every time. Now I just have to remember to rehearse like that every week, and imagine what we could accomplish…
How about you? Have the same experience? I want to learn from you, so tell me about it by leaving a comment below.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s funny: I had the same thing happen this week. A new member joined, and my higher energy level was noticeable to me. And you’re right, the choir rises to the challenge. Maintaining that focus week after week seems to be the challenge.
James-
I have found that the choir maintaining the focus is often a factor of my own energy level. It is my experience that how I approach a rehearsal often determines how it goes (not always, though…there is that “what is going on here?” rehearsal that pops up sometimes…)
vs
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