One of my singers for the GR Symphony gig I worked the last few weeks mentioned during the intermission that he had still been circling notes that day – during the first act of the last performance. “I guess I can stop doing that,” he said.
I watched orchestra members continue diligently marking their scores during the performances as well – always committing to making the music better.
I think this “pencils out” mindset – that we are always seeking to make the performance better – is a great approach. Even when you will not perform it again, you are listening with a critical mind for accuracy and improvement.
These musicians had this mindset so well ingrained, they couldn’t turn it off, even at the end of the concert run. Which means you can guarantee they were carefully marking from the outset of the first rehearsal – always with the “pencils out, brains on” mentality.