What’s going to be on the test?
Nothing, of course. I direct two ensembles that have no tests. One ensemble is extracurricular with no grades given or credit received. The other ensemble is populated mostly by students auditing the class, not for credit.
They are there because the experience itself motivates them to participate and strive.
Sometimes, though, even these motivated singers, there by their own choice, are still uninterested in acquiring the knowledge, doing the work. It seems counterintuitive to volunteer for extra hours of rehearsal in their busy lives, and then to squander it talking – doesn’t it?
I think in the end it comes down to this: the “What’s on the test” mindset is ever more pervasive, and for some percentage of students is the only motivation to action. Without threat of an examination, there is no impetus to work. They have to keep reminding themselves of their real motivation.
I work very hard to make my reminders uncritical, positive. They don’t need to feel guilty or criticized in this situation. They do need to feel motivated and committed, though, and with each others’ help and my urging, they find their way.
Most of my students are on the cusp of leaving education and embarking on a career. They will need to quickly master how to learn things, how to do work, how to live without threat of exam.
Test-free ensemble work can be a crucial part of that transition, if we can hold the ensemble to high standards and expectations without tests and threats.