In ensembles, every member has different needs. How do you balance meeting those needs?
Some ensemble members are experienced and looking for advanced performance experiences; others are newer and need fundamental training. Some want to grow in theoretical knowledge while others turn off when music literacy is brought up. Some come for camaraderie and fun, while others are looking for solely for rehearsal efficiency and excellence.
There can exist a truly dizzying diversity of needs even in a small ensemble.
1. Within reason, group ensemble members with like needs. This is done ideally with auditions, and then with sectionals, small groups, leadership opportunities.
2. Recognize all the individual and ensemble needs, and then do your best to provide opportunities to meet them in the ensemble.
3. Communicate clearly with ensemble members, so they know that you recognize when their needs might not be met in a particular moment.
4. Accept that you cannot always meet everyone’s needs all the time, and do your best to balance out on a larger time scale.
5. Lead with love, above all. If, as an ensemble member, I feel frustrated for some reason, I want to know that my leader cares about me as an individual. Then it’s a lot easier to accept things that aren’t quite the way I hope them to be.