There are four rehearsal modes.
- Sight Reading.
- Notes & Rhythms.
- Social Capacity.
- Ensemble Work.
Ideally, each rehearsal spends some time in each of these boxes; over the course of the year, the balances might vary greatly. In March, I’m spending a lot more time on Ensemble Work than on Sight Reading, and in September I always prioritize building the Social Capacity of the group.
It’s good to remember that these are distinct rehearsal modes, and to know what mode you’re planning to be in in your rehearsal. It’s just as good to remember that your students might not be able to tell the difference at first – and this is important, because their behavior should match the rehearsal mode.