Artistry is an endless journey, and District Solo & Ensemble Festival is never going to be an endpoint. It is, however, a rest stop along the way.
So I do have benchmarks for what I want my ensemble’s performance to reach at this point in the year:
- Accurate notes, rhythms, and attention to score markings. The sine qua non of a performance.
- Striving for artistry. They may not achieve consistent beauty or the breathtaking singing in our minds, but they should strive for it.
- Pride. They should finish their performance proud of what they have accomplished.
- Un-satisfaction. They should never ever feel satisfied with a performance. There is always further to go, more to discover and share. They should return to their next rehearsal hungry to apply the lessons learned.