How do I get most effective results from my rehearsal dollars?
You can get better results from your rehearsals if you:
1.) If possible, tackle all the difficult choral issues before bringing
in the instrumentalists.
2.) It's better having one long rehearsal as close to the concert date
than several shorter ones spaced many days apart. Often times when too much
time elapses between rehearsal, some musicians will forget key points. This
isn't as likely to happen if there is a rehearsal on or immediately before
the concert date. By planning your rehearsal(s) this way, it allows you to
consider allocating slightly more to hire "A" quality musicians. (Standard
rehearsal times run from 2 ½ to 3 hours.)
3.) On some occasions it may become advantageous to practice with some of
the solo instrumentalists prior to the dress rehearsal.
4.) Musicians stay focused longer if they're not sitting idle for long
periods of time. Rehearse larger pieces first and accomplish your goals that
require the most people. Then dismiss the personnel that you no longer need.
You'll have more attentive musicians to work with, guaranteed.
Cost savings are better achieved by choosing excellent musicians and
carefully managing how rehearsal time is used. The other alternative is
using musicians who may cost less but require more rehearsal time, possibly
forcing more rehearsals or even compromising the final quality of the
performance. Paying for one 2 ½ hour rehearsal and a concert (usually
considered to another 2 ½ hour maximum) may be adequate compensation for a
concert. In some cases an additional rehearsal prior to the dress rehearsal
may be necessary. If there's ample time before a performance, you may need
to use that time for a sound check and any last minute fixes. (Usually 30
minutes)
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Last modified:11/06/04