Harmonizing with Harmony
As a lifelong musician, I’ve always been fascinated by the power of ensemble performance. There’s something truly magical about a group of individuals coming together to create a unified, harmonious sound. Whether it’s an orchestra, choir, or even a barbershop quartet, the ability to blend our unique voices and instruments into a cohesive whole is a testament to the human spirit.
However, achieving that level of ensemble harmony doesn’t come easy. It requires dedicated practice, unwavering teamwork, and a deep understanding of the art of rehearsal. That’s why I’m excited to share with you some of the most effective rehearsal techniques I’ve discovered over the years – techniques that can help any musical group, from a community theater troupe to a professional symphony, unlock their full potential.
Finding Your Fit
My own journey into the world of ensemble performance has been a winding one, filled with both triumphs and challenges. Like many young musicians, I started out in the traditional orchestral setting, eagerly honing my skills on the violin. But as I progressed, I found myself feeling increasingly disconnected from my fellow musicians. There was a sense of isolation, a lack of true camaraderie, that left me yearning for something more.
It wasn’t until I stumbled upon a local barbershop chorus that I finally found the sense of belonging and musical fulfillment I had been searching for. From the moment I walked through the doors, I was greeted with open arms and warm smiles. The members of the Great Northern Union Chorus not only welcomed me with open arms, but they actively sought to help me grow and improve as a singer.
The Power of Inclusion
What struck me most about this barbershop ensemble was their unwavering commitment to inclusivity. As a transgender individual, I had often felt like an outsider in more traditional musical settings. But here, I was accepted and embraced for who I was. The chorus members made a conscious effort to learn my pronouns and use them correctly, ensuring that I felt respected and valued.
Beyond the simple act of using the right pronouns, the Great Northern Union Chorus also fostered a culture of mutual support and encouragement. Each member, regardless of their skill level or experience, was genuinely invested in helping their fellow singers succeed. They took the time to teach me the intricate choreography, offer feedback on my technique, and celebrate my progress.
Fostering a Collaborative Spirit
This collaborative spirit was evident in every aspect of the rehearsal process. Unlike the orchestra, where I had often felt like a cog in the machine, the barbershop chorus encouraged active participation and individual contributions. We would regularly break into smaller groups to work on harmonies, experiment with different vocal techniques, and even compose our own original arrangements.
The chorus director, Scott Kvigne, played a crucial role in cultivating this collaborative environment. He recognized that each singer brought unique strengths and perspectives to the table, and he actively sought to leverage those differences to create a richer, more dynamic ensemble sound. Rather than imposing his vision from the top down, he encouraged us to engage in open dialogue, share our ideas, and take ownership of the creative process.
The Art of Feedback
Feedback, of course, was an integral part of this collaborative approach. But rather than the often-harsh critiques I had experienced in other musical settings, the feedback in the barbershop chorus was always constructive and empowering. The members would offer specific, actionable suggestions for improvement, coupled with genuine encouragement and praise.
This approach to feedback not only helped me grow as a singer, but it also fostered a deeper sense of trust and camaraderie within the ensemble. I knew that my fellow chorus members were invested in my success, and that they were there to support me, not to tear me down. This, in turn, gave me the confidence to take risks, experiment with new techniques, and push the boundaries of my own abilities.
Embracing the Unexpected
One of the most exhilarating aspects of the barbershop rehearsal process was the element of surprise. Unlike the highly structured and predictable nature of traditional orchestral rehearsals, the barbershop chorus was always ready to embrace the unexpected. We would often break out into spontaneous tag-singing sessions, experimenting with different harmonies and vocal stylings on the fly.
This spirit of improvisation and playfulness was not only fun, but it also served to strengthen our ensemble skills in profound ways. By constantly challenging ourselves to think on our feet, to respond to the changing musical landscape around us, we developed a heightened sense of musical awareness and a deeper understanding of the art of harmonization.
The Joys of Continuous Improvement
Perhaps most importantly, the barbershop chorus provided me with a sense of constant growth and improvement – something that had been sorely lacking in my previous musical endeavors. Rather than feeling stuck in a rut, like I had in the orchestra, I was constantly striving to refine my technique, expand my vocal range, and master new repertoire.
This focus on continuous improvement was not only rewarding on a personal level, but it also contributed to the overall success of the ensemble. As we each pushed ourselves to become better singers, the collective sound of the chorus grew richer, more nuanced, and more powerful. It was a virtuous cycle of individual growth and ensemble achievement, and it was truly inspiring to be a part of.
Bringing it All Together
As I reflect on my experiences with the Great Northern Union Chorus, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the lessons I’ve learned. The rehearsal techniques they employed – the emphasis on inclusivity, the collaborative spirit, the constructive feedback, and the embrace of the unexpected – have not only transformed me as a musician, but they’ve also shaped the way I approach ensemble work in general.
And now, as I embark on a new chapter at the Musical Theater Center, I’m excited to share these insights with a new community of performers. Whether you’re a seasoned musical theater veteran or a newcomer to the stage, I believe these rehearsal techniques can help you and your ensemble unlock new levels of harmony and collaboration.
So, let’s dive in and explore how we can enhance the harmonious ensemble – one rehearsal at a time.
