I’m streamlining the “Dear People” style letter I send to one of my ensembles, in the hopes that it will be easier to complete consistently, and simultaneously more helpful to my singers. I created a locked template in InDesign, and I can easily update the text boxes after the weekly rehearsal.
Here are the boxes I have ready to go.
- Rehearsal Notes. This is the largest text box, and will have the most important information – reflection on the rehearsal, both granular and philosophical.
- Important Dates. Basically a running calendar of the year. It’s good to be seeing these dates every week!
- Practice Goals. What I’d like the ensemble to work on in sectionals and on their own this week.
- Business. Any important non-musical information I need to get out to the ensemble.
- Quote of the Week. This is actually near the top of the page – simply an apt quote to turn to for inspiration.