Friday, November 21, 2014

Insight from high school choir students.

So one of the things I like to do is give my students a philosophical assignment, question and answer on paper.  I love doing this because a) it gives me a window to what they're thinking, and then I can use that to improve their experience and our music making b) sometimes they blow my mind with either really hilarious thoughts or incredibly insightful things that I noticed but didn't realize THEY caught it, or when I didn't catch it but they did.

Anyway, I asked them the question "Why are you here? Why do we do this?" and "What do you need to do in preparation/need others to do before the concert?"  And while these answers are very VERY paraphrased, I think you will agree there is some great insight here.

Why are we here? Why do we do this?
 To get art credit
We love to sing
Learn how to sing
I want to get better
Grow as a group
Because Bri made me
Learn new songs
Express [my]self
To sound amazing!
Learn to read music
To perform
Because it’s fun
‘cause we’re awesome
To entertain and learn

 WHAT IS THE POINT?
To do what I like to do
To get better
Have fun and get to know people
Learn new things and styles
Because life is short, have a great time.
To be individuals, but work together
To better myself in fine arts
Have fun AND learn
MUSIC IS GREAT, WHY NOT?
Learn how not to get nervous
Learn music and make friends
Bonding with people
The point is unknown (ineffable)
We do it because we love it
Be able to work as a team

What do you need to do to prepare?  What do you need from others?

Pay attention to dynamics
Practice!
Sing out and sing accurately
Not be afraid
Pay attention to balance
Take a breath and CHILL
Warm up, drink water
Put forth best effort
Work on breath control
Communicate with each other
Work together
Not worry about being silly
Listen and match
Maturity
Confidence!
Consistency from everyone
Drink tea
Be unified
Relax
Remember it’s fun
Roll speed balls



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