Hi Robert,

 

You do not mention your teaching situation. As a music instructor at a community college, I would add an Orff ensemble. It would offer opportunities to both the accomplished musician and the beginner. I have seen Orff process work with students this age many, many times. And it would definitely appeal to an audience that is increasingly interested in music outside of the Western art tradition.

 

Amalie W. Hinson

Robert:  A very interesting question, but the only possible answer is that it would depend entirely on what KIND of ensemble I was directing at the time.  And not everyone has a "typical" ensemble or group of ensembles.

 

I directed a show ensemble here for 14 years, and one for several years before that at another university.  We needed rehearsal space with a dance floor, dance mirrors, a practice stage set, and good sound equipment for realistic rehearsals, as well as space to rehearse with the showband.  At this school we had them; at the previous school we did not, just multipurpose classroom/rehearsal rooms.

 

I also directed an early music ensemble at the other school, and am now directing one here.  That calls for an entirely different kind of space and entirely different equipment, as you might expect.  A live room would be nice, as well as harpsichords and perhaps organs for rehearsal.  Here we have the latter, but not the former.  And this is typical of rooms used for multiple purposes.

 

Our traditional choral ensembles rehearse in the same Recital Salon in which they normally perform, which in many ways is ideal.  The ensembles at the other school did not, and could not, because at the time there was only one Recital Hall and it was booked morning to late night, so only one dress rehearsal was ever possible, and not always at an ideal time.  And of course larger ensembles almost always have to perform in places other than where they rehearse.

All the best,

John

I have thought about this regularly. For my current ensemble I would want:

1. A set of dressing rooms , uniform racks, garment bags, character shoes, and uniform jewelry.

2. A soundshell

3. An actual auditorium to perform in.

4. Sound equipment to make quality recordings, and a quality camera to tape performances and rehearsals. Good condenser microphones. Also a way to just plug it in and immedietly watch/listen to it.

5. A charter bus all our own like athletics.

6. To not have to share my space with band and orchestra.

7. A much bigger music budget.

8. An accompanist.

I would get rid of the desks and buy music stands for each singer, so all could stand and move as the music required.  

I would have a big screen on which to project images and sight singing clips.

I would have a storage area for singers to keep their choral music.

I would have a fine recording system to play examples of excellent singing.  I would show youtube clips on my big screen.

 

I would find a way to record all the choral parts on youtube and have singers view the score on youtube while hearing their parts as they watch.  

 

Jura

Being a realist, I look at this question and instead of saying "What if" I ask "What Can". As artists we need to realize that we will always have a battle to face, whether it be through the music we sing or how we receive our funding. Instead of listing what you want, why not take that list and prioritize it in order of importance, and start fundraising. It's fun to play with your imagination, and play the "What if" game, but music did not evolve by playing the "What if" game. I'm sorry if I am a Debby Downer, but instead of becoming discouraged by thinking about what you don't have, start thinking about how you can get the things you need.

 

I Hope This Helps,

Jamie

There is not enough space in this to type all my wants!  Bigger room, Music, Folders, uniforms, Performance space, bus, etc. etc. etc.  It seems like an uphill battle everyday in public music education.  I love to dream!  Thanks for letting me!

JoAnn Barker

Owasso 8th Grade Choir

Owasso Community Choir

  I see the question in regard to teaching. "What if...to try and fail/change.... to better run a program for the 21st century audience."  An excellent program is not dependent on "stuff".  The beautiful performance area is a wonderful thing, but, it is not necessary to a beautiful performance. SO.... "What if"?  What if we didn't have to perform?  What if we could learn and rehearse without the stress/criticism or performance.  What if we were able to teach for the love of music, instead of pleasing an audience?  What if all our students wanted to work, really work hard, EVERY DAY in rehearsal.  What if they were always excited to come to class and give it their all..... or, more importantly, what if I was ALWAYS excited to teach class and give it MY all EVERY DAY, EVERY rehearsal.  What if the kids LOVED ALL the music I present to them?   What if my audience and students saw value in the art songs, rather than "I wish they/we would/could sing something I already know...."?  (can you tell I teach middle/high school?)  What if I didn't have to worry about discipline in the classroom? Some days the reality stinks.  Some days I feel like I have nothing left to give (especially about this time of the year) Some rehearsals I think I haven't accomplished a thing..... Yet, somehow, the magic shows up. Not every day. Not only in performance. Sometimes I can walk on a cloud because of what happened in rehearsal or performance. What if I am settling? What if there is REALLY MORE!?