By GALA Expert
November 17, 2023
Adapted from “The Perfect Rehearsal” by Timothy Seelig
Published by Shawnee Press – buy a copy!
(create your own and laminate it for your office wall)
Don’t start late.
Do start on time even if you have a handful (or more) singers who are late.
Don’t begin by talking too much.
Do begin by allowing your singers to move, stretch, massage, etc.
Don’t lose focus between every piece of music.
Do design a rehearsal plan and stick to it!
Don’t talk about every piece.
Do plan which pieces to discuss and which ones can wait.
Don’t spend too much time chasing notes with one section.
Do that in sectionals or divide your rehearsal.
Don’t spend too much time on one piece ignoring the others.
Do treat each piece with equal attention.
Don’t allow for too many announcements.
Do have written notes and one person make announcements.
Don’t end rehearsal with talking or announcements.
Do chose the final piece wisely.
Don’t end on the most difficult piece.
Do send them off singing, humming, smiling and they will return doing the same.
All of the above will absolutely KILL the flow of rehearsal. The whole point is to take your singers on a musical journey through all of their emotions. This journey is one that is planned by you, carefully.
© 2007 Shawnee Press.
Note: Tim’s book is great. Buy your own copy!