What mountain range do we need for the music here?
I asked the choir to work on some dynamics – and when they weren’t as contrasting, I said “those were the Appalachian Mountains…can we try the Rocky Mountains?” Later, a timbral shift was a little intense, so I could ask, “Make that a little less Rocky.” For a really intense spot, I might have been able to ask for the Himalayas. Or conversely – maybe the Porcupine Mountains? Maybe the name of the local ski slope?
Referencing something very familiar – like mountains – is a great way to communicate meaning with just a few words. What non-musical references do you make in rehearsal?