It is that time of year again. Time to dust off the solo, duet and quartet books and begin work on a different type of music. Many directors are reluctant to begin this work for a variety of reasons;
- Time Commitment
- Individual Student Responsibility
- Large Ensemble Performance Pressure
While these are all important things to consider when beginning Solo and Ensemble prep, the value of such an experience can have significant outcomes on a program.
Why Do It?
- Students become responsible for their own learning. You can't hide in duet, trio, quartet or quintet. One to a part makes the student take ownership of their abilities and preparations. "Teamwork" is taught as each member of the ensemble has a responsibility to the others.
- Students learn to be musicians. In full ensemble settings, directors often dictate the musicianship. "More crescendo here, less trumpet there". Students rarely get to make musical decisions. In a solo or small ensemble setting, musicality is set by the student and the music becomes their own.
- Students learn to listen. No conductor means they have to hear their entrances. Students become more aware of what is happening musically around them.
- Presentation. Many students don't know how to present something. How do you walk into a room, introduce yourself, your piece of music - all of which is important not only as a musician, but as a young adult.
Yes, solo and ensemble festival is work. But at the end of the day, students taking ownership of their own musicianship is a rewarding outcome. Some students will fail while others will be successful. Both experiences will teach valuable musical lessons to your students.
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