Note to self for future sectionals: three assignments in 30 minutes are better than one.
As a rule, I like to assign short sectionals on a specific piece or even a specific section. But sometimes a longer sectional with multiple goals is exactly what is called for.
With three pieces to work on in sectionals, a section can divide the time based on their needs; often the bass 2’s need more time on a different piece than the tenor 1’s.
With three pieces to work on in sectionals, a section never runs out of things to do, and can’t just spin their wheels thinking they’re “done.”
With three pieces to work on in sectionals, the conductor has more time to circulate and observe sectionals, offering assistance where needed.