Preview
Demonstrate without singing the entire rehearsal
A precise short example gives the choir the task without making the conductor carry every part at full volume.
- Choose a tessitura that shows the task without forcing the conductor’s voice.
- Demonstrate one vowel, consonant or interval instead of the complete phrase.
- Let the choir repeat independently before another demonstration.
A conductor works with the voice all day
The conductor explains, counts, demonstrates parts and repeats consonants in different tessituras. If every example is sung at the limit, the voice becomes less accurate by the end of rehearsal.
A demonstration is an instruction
Show only what the choir must hear: the vowel, onset, interval, rhythm or direction. A longer performance can hide the task.
Protect the speaking voice
- do not compete with room noise
- use short instructions
- alternate demonstration and choir repetition
- use amplification when available
- plan pauses between rehearsal blocks
What a lesson covers
Peter works with the conductor’s speaking and singing voice, choice of tessitura, articulation and the total load of a rehearsal.