The Preparatory Beat

So, were you listening during rehearsal on Friday? Really listening? If you were, you will not be surprised when I tell you that we will have a new seating arrangement on Monday. Much of what a conductor does is search for that magical arrangement…the one that allows all parts (SATB) to hear each other, become one with each other, reach that “sweet spot of harmonic bliss” (HA!). Where we are now sitting leaves us too isolated from one another and allows us to become complacent, only hearing those that are “like us”. So, expect change on Monday.

Back to Tharp and THE CREATIVE HABIT. On page 10, she says, “everything is raw material. Everything is relevant. Everything is usable. Everything feeds into my creativity. But without proper preparation, I cannot see it, retain it, and use it.” I’ve always believed that “everything relates to everything”. Everything I experience eventually contributes to my music making in some way. All experiences, all feelings, all successes, all failures. So, on your way to rehearsal on Monday, open up your senses a bit. Start your mental rehearsal prep as soon as you get out of bed in the morning. Listen. Watch. Think. Notice all this preparation is done without words. We will all be richer if we cultivate our inner lives a bit more…let’s all start Monday morning! See if this preparation makes rehearsal a more rewarding experience Dr. O