5 Key Elements of Effective Musicianship
Excerpt from THE SYSTEM-MARCHING BAND METHODS
by Gary E. Smith: Associate Director of Bands, Emeritus
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
www.marchingbandsystem.com
Achieving musical excellence requires more than just playing the notes correctly; it demands a holistic approach to musicianship. Whether you’re leading a band, orchestra, or choir, these five elements are essential for cultivating a culture of excellence and artistry in your ensemble.
- Careful Planning
Music rehearsals should be meticulously planned with clear goals and methods. Before each session, identify specific musical issues that need attention and be prepared to demonstrate solutions through singing or playing examples. This approach ensures that rehearsals are focused and productive, addressing immediate musical challenges.
- Warm-Up and Tuning
Commence each rehearsal with a warm-up and tuning routine designed to enhance musicianship. These exercises should be purposeful, with both short and long-term objectives in mind. To maintain engagement, ensure that the routine is varied and well-organized. The goal is to develop a progressive maturity in musicianship among your ensemble members.
- Organized Rehearsals
Well-organized rehearsals not only enhance musicianship but also foster positive attitudes and work habits among participants. Avoid wasting time, as it can lead to a loss of interest and disruptive behavior. Keep rehearsals engaging and focused on continual improvement.
- Focus on Musicality
The primary aim of any music rehearsal should be to enhance the musicality of each performer. Directors should understand the elements that contribute to good musicianship and employ appropriate methods to enhance musicality during instruction. Effective rehearsals emphasize the processes that lead to musical expression, rather than focusing solely on the music itself.
- Elements of Musicianship
- Tone: Encourage players to produce the best characteristic tone possible, with a clear mental concept of desirable sound. Provide examples of good tone quality and teach students how breathing, embouchure, posture, and equipment affect their sound.
- Intonation: Teach players to listen and adjust their pitch to match that of the ensemble. Help them understand the concept of a pitch center and how to tune effectively while playing.
- Ensemble: Develop a congruence of sound within the ensemble, focusing on relationships between different musical groupings.
- Balance: Ensure compatibility of sound by balancing various musical elements, including dynamics, pitch, tone, and instrumentation.
- General Musicianship: Consider additional musical elements such as tempo, phrasing, articulations, expression, technique, and timbres to enhance musicality and style.
In conclusion, effective musicianship involves careful planning, focused rehearsals, and attention to detail in all aspects of musical performance. By prioritizing these five elements, you can cultivate a culture of excellence and artistry in your ensemble.