Resources » Rehearsals

Rehearsals

Before a rehearsal (This is mainly about you)

• Do learn to play every note in each song/tune which is to be rehearsed
• Do practise your parts in each song/tune which is to be rehearsed
• Do have the eventual performance goal of needing no paperwork   
• Do any maintenance on your instrument/equipment  
• Do ensure that your instrument is ready for playing (electrical contacts too)
• Do take instrumental spares (e.g. strings, pick etc)
• Do arrange for band rehearsals for when everyone can attend
• Do take necessary sheet music /paperwork /notes for rehearsal
• Do organise your paperwork into an “easy to find stuff” system   

• Don’t practise only your favourite songs/tunes   
• Don’t ignore intermittent faults. They will let you down at the worst times   
• Don’t depend on others for  spares
• Don’t skimp on rehearsal time—2 hours is good   
• Don’t assume you can ‘wing it’ with new material   
• Don’t let disorganisation waste rehearsal time   

During a Rehearsal.  (This is mainly about the band)                             

• Do turn up in time to assist in general equipment set up
• Do turn up with your playing parts well rehearsed
• Do treat borrowed equipment with care
• Do establish where your rehearsal peformance area is
• Do establish where your equipment is to be placed
• Do establish who is leading the song/the rehearsal/the band
• Do rehearse in “sections”, i.e. bass & drums only, vocals only etc
• Do ensure you can clearly hear all parts in the sound mix
• Do adjust your playing to produce the best band sound
• Do interrupt a run-through which is rubbish
• Do contribute positive/encouraging suggestions on run-throughs
• Do see yourself as an essential team member
• Do take notes to help in practise for the next rehearsal   ¨    
• Do discuss potential new material and material to be dropped
• Do report any faults in borrowed equipment
• Do help tidy up after rehearsal
• Do agree on a mutually suitable time for next rehearsal   

After a Rehearsal (This is mainly about you)   

• Do organise the material you need to practise
• Do plan your personal practise time before the next rehearsal
• Do give thought to introducing new performance material
• Do contact other band members about new songs/likely gigs etc..    

During a Rehearsal.  (This is mainly about the band)

• Don’t turn up late. Everyone’s time is equally precious
• Don’t treat a band practise as personal practise
• Don’t just grab it—check with the others
• Don’t just dump it—check with the others
• Don’t have committee-type decisions on every point. It is time-wasting
• Don’t get obsessed with how you sound
• Don’t waste rehearsal time with rubbish
• Don’t run down the best efforts of other players
• Don’t see yourself as the main talent
• Don’t assume you will remember everything you need to practise         
• Don’t forget. Other people depend on the same equipment   
• Don’t  be the one who is usually first to leave   

After a Rehearsal (This is mainly about you)   

• Don’t put off personal practise
• Don’t leave all new ideas to the others
• Don’t waste valuable rehearsal time with management issues   

Copyright  © Youth & Music Development Trust 2009