Wk3 Classmates Blog - Leon

First, thank you for your service in the Marines. I am glad you met someone who was able to instill within in you your ‘A’. I agree with your analogy of learning all parts of the whole and not just one specific section. I find it challenging to practice the lessons within the book, The Art of Possibility. But I guess that's why Zanders called them a practice. We work through the struggles and challenges as best we can and with practice. Good luck to you and enjoy reaping the rewards of your practice.

July 23, 2011 10:53 AM

 

Leon's Post

Leading from any chair brought back memories of my tour with the Marine Corps Reserves.  I remember training with a Vietnam veteran who encouraged everyone to take the lead in acting as platoon leader.  What a way to make me feel apart of the team.  The experience worked wonders for my confidence.  Likewise, in instrumental music or any performing ensemble, it is a good idea to make sure that everyone in the each section can play every part.  As a matter of fact, one should work the lower parts (all players minus the first chair players) to bring out the inner harmonies of the musical selection and to strengthen your 2nd, 3rd and 4th parts, a good practice for building player confidence.  When you practice music before a performance, players have the tendency to become perfectionists.  Some students are extremely driven, as a result, it becomes the conductors primary mission to help them learn to put their instrument away and have a little fun.  Rule number 6 is a rule you must put into practice if you want your musicians to have a peak performance.  After preparing for days, months, and sometimes all year, in the end it is just another performance.  If your players are tense, they are more likely to make careless mistakes.  I tell my students to trust your training and just let it happen and enjoy the moment.  The Way Things Are and Giving Way to passion touched me personally.  I have to admit, I have been the duck in this scenario, spinning my wheels, living in the future, and downward spiral thinking.  I am guilty of hanging on to the way things should be, especially when concerning students.  I have great challenges next school term, but what an opportunity to put into practice what I have learned.