My preferred lead-off word when I cut off an ensemble in rehearsal is “Good.” My other frequent options are “Thank you” and “Wait.”
Both the ensemble members an I know that I’m stopping because there is something to fix. There’s no need to stop and say “No.” There’s no need to say “Wrong.”
Recognize the process, recognize the good that is being done. We need to simply stop, make an adjustment and start again. For me, “Good” says all of that in word.
“Good, but the baritones are singing the tenor 1 part again.”
“Good, can we add dynamics this time?”
“Good, now let’s try it up to tempo.”
“Good, but we breathed in the middle of the phrase.”
“Good. Why did I stop you?”
“Good. Let’s talk about …”
The more we can prioritize positivity and positive reinforcement, even as we are critical about the minutiae of polishing music, the better the mood of the ensemble will be.