I always seem to have the most motivated students in my vocal ensemble classes. They work hard, take great pride in their performances and are generally excellent self-starters. Take this week, for example. We developed a concept for a show featuring music from screen and stage mostly from the 1970's forward called "Showtime! - Memories Past and Present". Naturally we had to include music from Grease, the Disney shows, Rent and Glee.So what did they do? After I taught them the basic music styles and concepts to make the performances valid, as well as the parts, the students went about designing their own dances and staging for the big medleys and basically ran their own rehearsals, including some at students' homes, on weekends. They also produced the show, working on their own costumes, props, and lighting designs.
All of this we incorporated into several after school rehearsals, with one student (who chiefly designed the choreography) serving as director. I envisioned this to be a student run project from the beginning and it worked very well. To be sure, there were a few spots that were under-rehearsed, but that is part and parcel with a school program in which time is at a premium. We were also dealing with the fact that their were two classes involved, and finding rehearsal time together was a real challenge with after school work schedules and sports practices. Still, they got it done, and raised a little cash too! So yes, I am very proud of them this Monday after!
What's next? Spring concert season begins, so I'll pick up the baton and start rehearsing madrigals with my vocalists. Fun!
