WORKING "HARD" VS. WORKING "SMART"

By Rob Stein
Standing ‘O’ Marching

Commonly referred to as the “East Coast” vs. “West Coast” mentality, many directors have their own beliefs on the subject of band rehearsal speed and mentality. Before further explanation, let us consider the following rehearsal situations to develop a foundation for comparison. As you read, try to figure out if the band is “working hard”, or “working smart.” Please note that these scenarios are descriptions of real situations and results that have taken place.

Band A:
Situation #1
Director A: “Here we go everyone, taking from the top of the opener to the big hit! Top to the big hit! Set!”
Drum Major: “Mr. A, I don’t think the trumpets are set correctly...they look about three to four steps off their dot.”
Director A: “Thanks, but we’ve gotta move. No time to fix it we’ve only got time for one more rep. Here we go!”

Result: The band completes the rep with the trumpets ending on their correct dots, but the trumpet section members still started on the wrong location.

Situation #2
Director A: “Alright everyone, there’s a light rain right now, so make sure you’ve all got your rain gear. Let’s work our way through the closer. Set the metronome to 172 please. Set!”
Drum Major: “Mr. A, it’s starting to really come down. It looks kind of muddy and one person already slipped.”
Director A: “Ok everyone, remember what to do if you fall? Roll out of the way so no one trips over you! I know it’s raining harder, but we might be in a show situation tonight where it’s raining and we’ve still got a show to do! Here we go, top of the closer again. Please put a garbage bag over the metronome and turn it up; set!”

Result: The band continue marching rehearsal in the rain. The competition that night runs as planned with full marching performances, but the band marches with two holes due to members rolling their ankles in the mud.

Band B:
Situation #1
Director B: “Here we go everyone, taking from the top of the opener to the big hit! Top to the big hit! Set!”
Drum Major: “Mr. B, I don’t think the trumpets are set correctly...they look about three to four steps off their dot.”
Director B: “Thanks, let’s fix that quickly. Trumpets, please check your spacing and location. Let’s make sure we start this right! Trumpet #2, move a step to your right please, everyone else adjust. (Waits 15 seconds). Ok, thank you folks, here we go!”

Result: The band completes the rep with the trumpets ending on their correct dots, and the trumpet section members started on their correct locations.

Situation #2
Director B: “Alright everyone, there’s a light rain right now, so make sure you’ve all got your rain gear. Let’s work our way through the closer. Set the metronome to 172 please. Set!”
Drum Major: “Mr. B, it’s starting to really come down. It looks kind of muddy and one person already slipped.”
Director B: “Ok everyone, remember what to do if you fall? Roll out of the way so no one trips over you! I know it’s raining harder, but we might be in a show situation tonight where it’s raining and we’ve still got a show to do! Let’s change gears. Set up the top of the ballad please, and set the metronome to 86. Woodwinds, please run off the field quickly and put your instruments in your cases. (Wait 2 minutes). Let’s take six sets from here please. Set!”
Drum Major: “Mr. B, it’s really coming down.”
Director B: “Ok everyone, let’s take 10 minutes and all meet in the band room. From there, we’ll go to sectionals and come back out if it clears up. Let’s go!”

Result: The band goes inside for music rehearsals. The competition that night runs as planned with full marching performances, and each member marches the show.

If you think Band A is working “hard” and Band B is working “smart,” then you are correct. As we continue with further discussion, please keep in mind “hard” and “smart” are not to be taken completely literally and are exaggerated to prove a point. To some directors or students, to rehearse in a manner Band A rehearses may seem obviously counter-productive, but, as an educator and instructor, ask yourself, “Have I ever seen my students starting in a wrong location and moved on anyway to save time?” Many directors, although difficult to admit, will probably say yes. We all have at some point! The key to this subject is to learn the benefits of proper and efficient rehearsal in order to maximize long term success.

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