Greig Ashurst
National Board President
Whether a seasoned ringer or a newcomer, there is always room to grow and focus on improving our skills and techniques. We often tell ourselves that our technique is good enough, especially when we are in a time crunch to prepare a piece of music for a performance. The problem with this is that what we tell ourselves often shapes our reality, and we never quite get around to working on the little things that make our ensembles great. Everyone can contribute to their ensemble’s success by leading from wherever they are. Good technique is a great way to inspire others, especially when we do it with enthusiasm and commitment. In addition to improving technical skills, conductors and players can spruce up their ensembles in other ways, too.
Conductors have the opportunity to renew their approach to programming for their ensembles. Making new and innovative programming decisions can significantly advance the musical art form and liven up concerts/performances. Diversify the repertoire; introduce a mix of traditional and contemporary pieces to challenge the ensemble and keep audiences engaged. One thing I often rely on is the “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue” idea in concert programming. In addition to playing some great standard repertoire, find a new work from a new composer. Create some innovative collaborations; partner with other musical groups or soloists to create unique and memorable performances. Research some great repertoire from other genres or media. For something “Blue,” look beyond the classic Jazz tunes. Finally, consider planning concerts around specific themes or stories to provide a cohesive and engaging experience for your audience.
Another way ensembles can improve is to devise new rehearsal plans and techniques to keep rehearsals lively and productive. Incorporate games and activities that promote teamwork and keep ringers engaged. Bring in spring guest clinicians; invite experienced conductors to lead workshops or masterclasses, providing fresh perspectives and new techniques. Finally, regularly seek feedback from the ensemble to understand their needs and preferences, and adjust rehearsal plans accordingly.
As for the players, use this time to revive your approach to rehearsals so that you are contributing positively. Here are some ways to re-engage with your art:
- Personal Practice: Dedicate time to individual practice outside of rehearsals to hone your skills and build confidence.
- Goal Setting: Set personal and ensemble goals for the season to stay motivated and focused.
- Community Building: Foster a sense of community within your ensemble by organizing social events and team-building activities.
The art of handbell playing is a “we” activity. Members of a handbell ensemble must focus on collective success and community. By embracing these strategies, handbell musicians can look forward to a season of growth, innovation, and renewed passion for their art. Let’s make this a year of musical excellence and community, advancing the art of handbell ringing together.
At the beginning of the Spring semester, I sent this letter to the students in my school music program. Feel free to use it for your own personal growth or to share with your musicians.
Dear Students,
As we embark on a new semester, I want to take this opportunity to encourage each of you to make a fresh start in improving your technique and skills on your musical instrument. This is a perfect time to focus on enhancing our ensemble’s skills and techniques. It doesn’t matter if this is your first year or your fourth, there is always room for growth. Let’s work together to develop our precision, coordination, and dynamic control. By doing so, we can elevate our performances and bring our music to life.
As your conductor, I am committed to bringing a fresh and creative approach to our concert programming. My goal is to engage our audiences while helping each of you realize your full potential as musicians. I will introduce new rehearsal plans, techniques, and activities designed to liven up our rehearsals and make them more productive and enjoyable.
I invite each of you to reengage with a revived approach to rehearsals. Be attentive, participatory, and “locked in” to your work. Let’s embrace this opportunity to grow together as an ensemble. Together, we can make this a semester of growth, innovation, and renewed passion for our music program. Let’s strive for musical excellence and build a strong, supportive community within our ensemble.
Respectfully,
Greig Ashurst
Greig Ashurst
[email protected]
Whether a seasoned ringer or a newcomer, there is always room to grow and focus on improving our skills and techniques. We often tell ourselves that our technique is good enough, especially when we are in a time crunch to prepare a piece of music for a performance. The problem with this is that what we tell ourselves often shapes our reality, and we never quite get around to working on the little things that make our ensembles great. Everyone can contribute to their ensemble’s success by leading from wherever they are. Good technique is a great way to inspire others, especially when we do it with enthusiasm and commitment. In addition to improving technical skills, conductors and players can spruce up their ensembles in other ways, too.
Conductors have the opportunity to renew their approach to programming for their ensembles. Making new and innovative programming decisions can significantly advance the musical art form and liven up concerts/performances. Diversify the repertoire; introduce a mix of traditional and contemporary pieces to challenge the ensemble and keep audiences engaged. One thing I often rely on is the “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue” idea in concert programming. In addition to playing some great standard repertoire, find a new work from a new composer. Create some innovative collaborations; partner with other musical groups or soloists to create unique and memorable performances. Research some great repertoire from other genres or media. For something “Blue,” look beyond the classic Jazz tunes. Finally, consider planning concerts around specific themes or stories to provide a cohesive and engaging experience for your audience.
Another way ensembles can improve is to devise new rehearsal plans and techniques to keep rehearsals lively and productive. Incorporate games and activities that promote teamwork and keep ringers engaged. Bring in spring guest clinicians; invite experienced conductors to lead workshops or masterclasses, providing fresh perspectives and new techniques. Finally, regularly seek feedback from the ensemble to understand their needs and preferences, and adjust rehearsal plans accordingly.
As for the players, use this time to revive your approach to rehearsals so that you are contributing positively. Here are some ways to re-engage with your art:
- Personal Practice: Dedicate time to individual practice outside of rehearsals to hone your skills and build confidence.
- Goal Setting: Set personal and ensemble goals for the season to stay motivated and focused.
- Community Building: Foster a sense of community within your ensemble by organizing social events and team-building activities.
The art of handbell playing is a “we” activity. Members of a handbell ensemble must focus on collective success and community. By embracing these strategies, handbell musicians can look forward to a season of growth, innovation, and renewed passion for their art. Let’s make this a year of musical excellence and community, advancing the art of handbell ringing together.
At the beginning of the Spring semester, I sent this letter to the students in my school music program. Feel free to use it for your own personal growth or to share with your musicians.
Dear Students,
As we embark on a new semester, I want to take this opportunity to encourage each of you to make a fresh start in improving your technique and skills on your musical instrument. This is a perfect time to focus on enhancing our ensemble’s skills and techniques. It doesn’t matter if this is your first year or your fourth, there is always room for growth. Let’s work together to develop our precision, coordination, and dynamic control. By doing so, we can elevate our performances and bring our music to life.
As your conductor, I am committed to bringing a fresh and creative approach to our concert programming. My goal is to engage our audiences while helping each of you realize your full potential as musicians. I will introduce new rehearsal plans, techniques, and activities designed to liven up our rehearsals and make them more productive and enjoyable.
I invite each of you to reengage with a revived approach to rehearsals. Be attentive, participatory, and “locked in” to your work. Let’s embrace this opportunity to grow together as an ensemble. Together, we can make this a semester of growth, innovation, and renewed passion for our music program. Let’s strive for musical excellence and build a strong, supportive community within our ensemble.
Respectfully,
Greig Ashurst
Greig Ashurst
[email protected]
Greig Ashurst
National Board President
