Repertoire

Three grade 3 pieces to promote independence and creativity

So much of our job is telling players what to do and how to do it. It's so easy for us to get stuck on the podium, dictating to students every element of what and how to play. It feels good - we say something and the sound improves! Yay! But this method is actually really inefficient. What if the students could be making their own judgements about the music, adjusting in the moment and, essentially, rehearsing themselves? Sound impossible and idyllic? It's not.

Why Can’t the Students Pick Their Own Music?

I received this question from a colleague at the end of her tether, wondering what she should tell parents who were hounding her, and students who wanted to play endless concerts of Harry Potter, Star Wars, Pharell Williams and Beyonce. "We like that music, why can’t we play it in band?"

S1E7: Engaging Players and Audiences with Thematic Programming

The how and why of thematic programming to engage your players and (new) audiences.

S1E6: Discernment: How to Pick Quality Music

How do we determine artistic excellence? How do we select music that is appropriate for our ensembles, audiences and performances?

S1E5: Finding New Music: Being A Repertoire Detective

Where and how to look for new repertoire.

S1E4: The Concert: Creating An Emotional Journey

Curating transformative experiences for performers and audiences.

S1E3: Creating Balanced, Contrasting Programs

Make your audience and players hungry for more with programs that are varied and balanced.

S1E2: Make Real Music Faster with Appropriate Repertoire

Get to real music making faster by selecting appropriate music. 8 Common ensemble problems caused by repertoire choice and how to avoid them. The 80/20 rule for selecting music that is the right level for your ensemble.

S1E1: Setting Goals for Guaranteed Growth and Learning

The building blocks of repertoire selection: where do you want to go, and how long have you got to get there? Tools and strategies to feel ready and prepared for every performance. Set goals that ensure your ensemble members progress holistically throughout the year, both as musicians and as people.