When do you stop an ensemble in rehearsal?
Chances are, the most frequent – maybe only – times are when there is a mistake in need of correcting.
Let me make a case for another time to stop: when an ensemble just did something well. Chances are, you don’t stop in those moments, because it’s a chance to continue! But the following things all happen if you stop immediately after you hear something outstanding.
- The ensemble hears unmitigated praise. What a great motivator that can be.
- You can reinforce that excellence with repetition.
- You can “plus” that moment with repetition. (“Do the same, but with warmer vowels.” “Now shape the line a little more.” “Again, but with more attention to the meaning.”)
By only stopping with mistakes, we’re leaving great teaching opportunities unused.