The Pitch Pipe - October 2008 - (Page 13) That joy is still there. All you need to do is recapture that excitement — individually and as a unified chorus. 1. INDIVIDUAL GOALS FOR EACH REHEARSAL. Set your very own for the evening; e.g. having more breath for that phrase, really singing the lyrics vocally and visually, using your natural body language, etc. What immediate joy when you achieve your minutely defined goal! 2. LOOK FOR THE FUN MOMENT AND SAVOR IT. This can go beyond the rehearsal into such moments as sewing on sequins, trying on the all-in-one, learning how to put on eyelashes, practicing the choreography at home to the music, etc. Look for the humor in difficult moments and savor it. 3. SHARE A POSITIVE with the singer beside you, in front, or behind, even an out loud “OOOOO” when the overtone screams. 4. POSITIVE SELF-TALK. Stamp out individual doubts. Make it positive and make it work for you. As a Sweet Adeline from Virginia wrote, “You have the power to accomplish anything if you only convince yourself first that you can do it. For example, in the morning you fix your hair, brush your teeth, etc. Say to yourself, ‘Hi, gorgeous!’ It takes a while, but you will begin to believe. When you build yourself up, the rest of the world will follow.” Tell yourself as you practice (the definitive word), “I am honing my skills. I am making good music, etc.” The more you begin to believe, the better your skills become. The better your skills become, the more positive your approach is to your preparation. 5. ENCOURAGE those around you (their singing, choreography, losing weight, exercising, etc.). 6. IGNORE WHINING. Make it a challenge to reverse any you hear and STAMP OUT ANY YOU POSSESS. If there’s a real problem, do something about it or go to the person who can. 7. PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO WAVERERS. Stroke them whenever possible. Pass on the positive self-talk theory to them. Work on bonding. Encourage your music team/director to establish the goals for each set of physical and vocal warmups. Even though the director usually states what his/hers are for each song — be sure all members understand exactly how to attain these goals. 8. SHARE THE SUNSHINE. As an individual singer, you can bring the sun to the rehearsal. Remember, all praise must be honest and deserved. When you bring an upbeat approach to rehearsal, share it. You have the power to infect yourself, those around you, and even the entire chorus. Imagine all the fun on the journey to the “Stairways to Paradise.” The director has a major role in establishing a positive approach to the rehearsal. My sister sang with the Robert Shaw Chorale. During one rehearsal things were not going well and Mr. Shaw began to lose his cool. He called a break. When the singers returned, Robert Shaw said, “There are no bad choruses, only bad conductors.” The mood changed instantly and the rehearsal was successful. Within the atmosphere of positive preparation, the director plays a huge part. We covet our directors, because they have such a major responsibility in any journey. Of course, he/she must always display and receive respect. The director understands the capabilities and limits of the chorus. In this way, realistic but challenging goals have possibilities of success. The director’s rehearsal techniques should include a sense of pacing, the knowledge of getting results quickly, a sense of when to talk and when to let the chorus sing, the use of humor only in a positive manner. He/She needs to show caring for the individual, the chorus, the music and the goals. The bonding/team building/unit is developed by each person. Of course that means the director and the chorus working to the same end, having joy in accomplishing each step, singing and hearing beautiful music. Do you have the courage to pursue your dreams? “All our dreams come true — if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney October 2008 13
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