Ensemble

Photo courtesy of lumaxart

Improve timing and tightness of your ensemble.

• Pick one person to be the leader.
• This person plays a rhythm on one note.
• The rest of the group must copy exactly how the leader plays this rhythm. The goal here is to play exactly together. Instrumental technique, articulation and musicianship will all affect your ability to be exactly in time.
• Pick a new leader.
• Repeat.

You should begin with some simple rhythms and perhaps use a metronome to keep you in time. Once you have perfected these simple rhythms move onto something more complex. Do not try to play anything too complex to soon.

Photo courtesy of shutterclicks

Improve balance and appreciation for other members of your ensemble.

Pick one member of your group to be the leader - this person will not play for now.

• Find a chord or section of music for the rest of the group to play.
• The leader should alter the volume and tuning of individual members of the group until the think they have acheive a perfect balance.
• Pick a new leader. Find a new section of music.
• Repeat.

Everyone in a group must take responsibility for good balance. Taking time out to listen in this way free from the demands of your own playing will help improve balance for all of the group.

This method helps to really focus those listening skills within a group.

Every member of the group needs to be blinfolded (or at least close thier eyes)

• Pick one person to be the leader.
• This person plays a scale.
• The rest of the group must copy exactly how the leader plays this scale.
• Other members should try to match the sound and tuning.
• Pick a new leader.
• Repeat.

It is surprising how much we rely on our eyes when playing in an ensemble. This technique really helps to focus the ears.  Read more . . .

Improve timing and tightness of your ensemble.

• Pick one person to be the leader.
• This person plays a rhythm on one note.
• The rest of the group must copy exactly how the leader plays this rhythm. The goal here is to play exactly together. Instrumental technique, articulation and musicianship will all affect your ability to be exactly in time.
• Pick a new leader.
• Repeat.