We can communicate better with a shared language.
In rehearsal, that has several connotations.
First, of course, is the literal common language. It helps if director and ensemble speak the same language.
Second is the language of music. Being musically literate allows you to communicate directly and clearly about musical decisions.
Third is the language of shared references. If we have a common set of listening experiences, for example, we can reference them in rehearsal. “More like The King’s Singers.” “Can we make this more like Cantus?” “How would The Real Group interpret this?”
Fourth is the language of shared experiences. Inside jokes, challenges we overcame together, common friends (and enemies) – these become a shorthand we can use to be more efficient in our communication.
What other shared languages do you have within your ensembles?