We don’t need to stop if you know.
One of the best extra-musical skills a young musician can develop is how to let their director know whether they need a pause and correction.
A quick nod, a secure but subtle hand raise, or the “bass hand” that my students use in the Aces – a karate chop aimed at oneself – are just a few of the ways a musician can let their director know “I know I made a mistake and how to fix it.”
A hand raised with eye contact, a confused look on the face, or a question when next we stop are ways to let the director know “I need help with this spot.”
When the director and ensemble can agree on this communication, there’s less stopping for things that don’t need stopping, and more efficient music-making.
It’s an essential skill.