Diminishing Returns

For every extended rehearsal you plan, ask yourself this question: Have I scheduled past the point of diminishing returns?

I always want to maximize available time and use every minute for the growth and improvement of my ensembles. But I have been in situations where other leaders have scheduled a 6 hour rehearsal, the last 2 hours of which actively lowered the ensemble’s effectiveness and morale. Their exhaustion undermined their growth.

There is a length of time that will work, and it’s different for every ensemble, almost for every situation. Go right up to that length, but don’t go past it.

Ask yourself during these rehearsals: Am I using every minute wisely? Have I planned too many minutes? Will I lose them if I keep going?

Pay attention, and ask yourself after the day is over: Did I go too long? Would it have been better shorter? Would it have been better longer? How much of that rehearsal did I need to accomplish what I accomplished? How can I make it more effective next time?