Why we’re practicing this might not be why you think we’re practicing this.
Sometimes a phrase needs some repetition for note and rhythm accuracy. Okay, lots of times.
But this work can become boring and repetitive to singers, leading to diminishing returns. That’s why I’m sometimes guilty of letting them think we’re working on something else, in order to continue that work with just enough distraction.
For example, today we discussed and debated different phrasing options for a tricky four bar phrase. The ensemble drew shapes on the board, then rehearsed, adjusted, and re-rehearsed the shapes.
The result being, they got plenty of reps in on the notes and rhythms while not realizing it. No boredom, no worse-than-last-time singing, no frustrated faces.
And for the record, I revealed my motivation at the end of the segment of rehearsal.