Posture & Technique
What should your spine look like when you’re sitting or standing to play or sing?
Tall and straight
Should you talk while the teacher is giving instructions?
No
What does it mean to “play or sing your best for the entire rehearsal”?
Staying focused and giving full effort the whole time
When the teacher starts to count off, what should your body and instrument be doing?
Set, quiet, and ready to play
What does it mean to politely help others in rehearsal?
Helping without being bossy or disruptive
Where should your feet be when you’re seated with your instrument?
Anchored on the floor / front of the chair
What should you do if you’re confused instead of talking to a neighbor?
Raise your hand or wait to ask politely
What 2 main musical elements must be correct when we play together?
Notes and rhythms
How quickly should instructions be followed in rehearsal? Ex) Circle the sharp in measure 22
Promptly / right away
Who can show leadership in this class?
Everyone
Why is good posture important for your playing or singing?
Better sound, control, breathing, and less tension
What does “actively working toward ensemble improvement” look like?
Focused playing, making corrections, staying engaged
Why is it important to keep trying even if you make a mistake?
Improvement, learning, helping the ensemble
What should you do when we stop playing and the teacher starts talking?
Freeze, listen, eyes up
What materials should you always bring to rehearsal?
Instrument, music, pencil
This posture mistake can make your sound weaker and cause fatigue.
Slouching
This behavior helps rehearsal move faster and smoother.
Following instructions promptly
This tool helps you mark reminders and fixes in your music.
A pencil
Why is following directions quickly respectful to the ensemble?
Saves time, helps everyone learn, shows focus
How does being prepared help the whole group?
Less downtime, better sound, smoother rehearsal
Name two posture or technique habits you should check before we start playing.
Examples: tall spine, feet flat, correct hand position, relaxed shoulders
Give one example of behavior that hurts rehearsal etiquette and one that helps it.
Examples vary (talking vs. listening, goofing vs. focusing)
What are 2 ways you can contribute musically even when we aren’t playing?
Watching the conductor, counting, tracking music, listening, etc.
Name two directions you hear almost every rehearsal that you should respond to immediately.
Examples: “from measure…,” “ch ch chch ch,” “grab your pencil,” “sit up straight”
Describe what a “5-point rehearsal student” looks and sounds like.
Uses posture, follows directions, contributes musically, shows etiquette