Do you mega-load or micro-load repertoire for your ensembles?
Here’s some arguments for micro-loading, narrowing the ensemble to just a few pieces:
- You can go in-depth, thoroughly teaching the repertoire.
- You can develop musical and technical concepts in the context of the repertoire.
- You can have reasonable confidence in a proficient performance on concert day.
Here’s some arguments for mega-loading, filling folders with lots of repertoire:
- You can keep rehearsals engaged, with frequent switches among pieces.
- You can present repertoire at multiple difficulty levels.
- You can help students see the connections between pieces and thus develop overarching musical ideas.
- You can be reasonably assured that every ensemble member will have repertoire that particularly appeals to them.
In the end, there are solid arguments for both approaches, and clear pitfalls to avoid in both, as well. In fact, I use different approaches with The Rockford Aces and GRCC Shades of Blue!