Expectations

PHILOSOPHY and PURPOSE of REHEARSAL

The Spartan Band Program is a course of study designed to challenge and develop the musical skills of musicians. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of skills. The purpose of rehearsal should be to understand and experience great music making while in a community of musicians. This includes exploration of new concepts, exploration of the composer’s creation, and the development of ensemble skills. The rehearsal is a musical end in itself: the concert is a byproduct of rehearsal, not the reason for it. To this end, the Spartan Band will have the following expectations for conductor and students.

Student expectations of the conductor:

1. The conductor will respect the time and musicianship of the students.

2. The conductor will provide an outline for every rehearsal and adhere to it as closely as possible.

3. The conductor will be prepared for every rehearsal. Each score should be studied to a level of making music in rehearsal, not simply eliminating errors.

4. The conductor will choose repertoire with musical and educational value, and at an appropriate level of technical demand.

5. The conductor functions as the advocate of the composer and the spirit of the piece.

6. The conductor will hold the group to a standard expected by the composer’s needs.

Conductor expectations of the students:

1. Students will be prepared to rehearse (with music/folder, instrument, and pencil) at every rehearsal 2 minutes after the bell rings.

2. Students should prepare for success to the best of their ability. Learning parts is an activity best completed in personal practice time – not ensemble rehearsal whenever possible.

PREPARATION: The ladder toward success.

Purpose of Practicing: To learn YOUR part.

The main focus of your practicing should be to build optimal playing habits – your warm-up routine should be of paramount concern. The amount of time spent practicing parts will depend upon the student and the repertoire – you are the judge. Practicing is the time devoted to eliminating ALL technical and rhythmic hindrances to expressive rehearsing.

Purpose of Sectionals: To blend your part into the SECTION.

Sectional requirements vary by ensemble. Sectionals are often conducted within one section, but often include different parts that share musical lines. The main focus of sectionals is to work on blend, balance, and pitch issues that are not easily done in the context of a large ensemble rehearsal.

Purpose of Rehearsals: To learn the parts of EVERYONE ELSE

The purpose of full rehearsing is to learn ALL of the parts of the work, so that we can understand the composer’s intention and perform expressively. Rehearsals are successful musically and expressively ONLY when all students have taken care of their individual preparation responsibilities to the ensemble. Rehearsals that are built around acquisition of technique through drilling do a disservice to players, conductors, composers, and your soul in general.