Today we met the students from the Chennai Conservatory for our first full rehearsal for the Concert tomorrow at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
The rehearsals were held in the City Halls with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. It was a great rehearsal space and gave us the chance to come together and experience what each of our groups had been practising independently.
Tomorrow’s concert is to be broadcast on the BBC Asian Network live . The concert itself starts at 1930 to 2230.
The Rehearsal Process
For the Paisley Abbey concert we meet as an ensemble once per week, but it is important to arrive well prepared and ready for work. If one is lacking preparation then these sessions can turn into a mad note-bashing practise which should have been done alone. A rehearsal can be compared to a practise race. You should know your running track well, be prepared for the twists and turns that would catch you out. The niggly phrases which need learning into your muscles. So that a director can advise and mould the colour and emotion of the sound.
What would I recommend to do before a rehearsal?
(1) Listen to recordings of the pieces being performed (if possible).
Why? This will give you an insight into different options the piece might be taken in. It gives you a flavour of the melody and the overall sound of an ensemble you can’t achieve in solo practise.
(2) Have your music and a pencil
Why? It is just good practise! Never come to a rehearsal without your music. It seems simple but if you are sharing a copy you can’t fully focus on your sound and combining it with the voices around you as you are constantly trying to look over someone’s shoulder. A pencil is simply a must, how can you record what your conductors intentions are without one. You have to concentrate on so much when you are singing – your pencil provides a hint! So if you forget it, you are only stopping yourself from achieving greatness.
(3) Have a private note bashing session
Why? Sing wrong and loud alone. It is important to have these sessions. You need to be able to follow and lead in a choir.
(4) Get into a habit of being business like and looking presentable
Why? You don’t need hair and make-up, but at least you’d feel good! I also think it’s a good idea to practise in some of the shoes, clothes, make-up I may choose to wear in a performance to see how it makes me feel and ensure they are comfortable.
(5) Look at the notes you made from last week (if applicable)
Why? There is no point in making notes if you aren’t going to revise them.
Most of these points may seem very obvious but if you are very busy they can be easily missed.
Working in an ensemble is a fabulous experience. Creating something together is very worthwhile and brings people together.
It improves your musicianship and most importantly is a lot of fun.
I took my singing exam today at 16:20 pm and I hope it went well 🙂 Fingers crossed and I cant wait to get the feedback