Sometimes the right reaction to an ensemble feeling like there’s too much on their plates is to say, “Here’s more!”
We need to learn to juggle. We need to get faster at learning music. We need to learn how to be more effective participants in the rehearsal process. We need to feel our commitment to the ensemble is justified.
And sometimes that means increasing the pressure right when the ensemble is looking just a bit vulnerable. “Am I pushing too hard? Well, hang on tight!”
All with love, compassion, and the soul of an educator first, of course.