So, Miranda and I met this evening and discussed a few key ideas to consider for the coming weeks:
1. The Focus of the Group: as the weeks go on, we have begun to notice that the guys seem to lose focus quickly. We think this is due to the fact that the fellas are becoming comfortable with us. While it is great to establish a positive relationship, we cannot afford to lose focus more than we already are. Our time with the guys is precious and it is for all of our benefit to remain on point. How might we better manage the group? Also, understand that socializing is a necessary part to this process. I do not want to cut all conversation... the boys need a chance to vent... but we cannot have as much as we've had. Where is the balance? Wo ist dein schtachel? Dein sieg?
2. We do not all need to follow the same teaching model: Miranda and I talked about how "Ride the Chariot" went last week, and while we agree it went well, it could have gone better. Part of this may be that we were trying to follow the same teaching model. We saw how successful starting with rhythm and body percussion was with "Witness," it is only natural to start there with another piece... right? WRONG! Miranda thinks it may be better with more complex rhythms to start with the text and work from there. I agree. Let's see how approaching the piece differently this week goes.
3. Intonation: while it's not the primary focus of our group, it is an issue we need to address. We cannot completely abandon vocal pedagogy for the sake of repertoire and "honoring their world." A solid foundation is critical for the success of our group--both spiritually AND vocally.
4. Number three leads us to consider WARM UPS! But where do we start? First Miranda and I will have the guys stretch and work on some body mapping. We want to start having a conversation about how to stand and breathe like a singer. Which means we will also address breath technique this week. We are going to try and have the guys lay on the floor so they can feel the sensation of an abdominal breath. Hopefully after a few weeks of practicing this will begin to stick... but Rome was not built in a day.
5. WWJD: Our last topic of discussion was, how do we address intonation and pitch. We asked ourselves: What Would Julie (Andrews) Do??? Well, she would start at the very beginning, and frankly, I think that's a very good place to start. All this is to say we will begin to incorporate some solfege into our rehearsals. Not for music literacy but for music competency.
Mimi's going to transpose "Ride the Chariot" so the guys can sing it more comfortably. We will also learn (and relearn) more of "Witness."
Going with God,
Ryan
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Awesome post, Ryan. Thank you again for writing this and for meeting without me :) I definitely second everything you mentioned!!
ReplyDeleteI worry that we won't be allowed to have them lie on the floor, could we ask about this beforehand perhaps? I definitely think teaching breathing is important though.
We can also ask this week (if the chaplain is there) about the Christmas thing. If it doesn't work out, we can perhaps work toward a bigger concert/event in the Spring.
Thanks again,
Laura
While I understand the importance of a concert, I am concerned that putting all of the focus towards a concert causes us to miss the big picture...reaching out and teaching music to people who really need it, as well as, sharpening our techniques for our futures.
ReplyDeleteWe all hate when teachers teach for a test and I feel that if the only reason we are wanting to do Christmas music is to focus on a concert, then we are just teaching for a "test".
I could be completely wrong about this whole idea, but I just wanted to put this out there.
I would be glad to have a concert with these guys, however, I will not put all my eggs in one basket, so to speak. I hope that we can continue to bring the gift of music, worship, and fellowship to the men of Joyful Noise.
See you all Wednesday!