15th of October 2014
The rehearsal
process:
We only had 4 weeks as a group to rehearse, 4 lessons to produce
two songs for the introduction performance. For the amount of time we had I think
we did great, and this comes down to how well we worked as an ensemble in rehearsals.
I feel like we listened to one another and took on board each other’s advice,
which not only benefited us as individual but showed we are comfortable enough
as a group to give feedback to each other.
To start with the rehearsals I found difficult because everyone
wanted a say, which is fair but also intimidating in the way in which it was
done- I felt like there was to many ideas being said and we weren't following
them through (regarding to ‘rather be’ practice) however once we got singing, I
found our voices blended well which was a positive sign for future rehearsals. The
week following I felt our practice went 100x better, we came into the class prepared
with harmonies which were worked out and an objective to focus on 2/3 ideas and
ensuring the song was cleaned and completed. We still took on board each
other’s ideas however we didn't want to over complicate the song. Once we split
into our harmony groups we sang through the song once, this gave us the
opportunity to highlight any mistakes which may have been occurring. Lyrics were
a common mistake for the beginning verse, so we went over it to allow everyone
to remember etc. we also re-caped the harmonies in each group and worked on the
ad-libs etc. the final run through of that rehearsal started to sound really
good and Phillip (teacher) filmed us and showed our performance back to us, by
doing this it showed us individually how we could work on our performance
skills- such as facial expression and we move our body.
With our other song ‘will you still love me tomorrow’ I think
the rehearsal process went really well. I felt like it was organised from week
to week and we always got a lot done in each practice class. From week to week
we each sang different parts, so whether it was the melody/tune or the
harmonies. I felt like by doing this it made us learn the song inside out and
make us flexible when it came to splitting up the parts. A week before the
performance we were split and I was given the tune/melody part along with 5
other group members. I realised at that point I would have to get on top of the
lyrics and ensure I knew them backwards, so every day I was reading and rehearsing
to prepare me for the show. The main thing I liked about these rehearsals was
that we knew what we were doing at all times and it was clear. I hope to
incorporate this when we have to direct our own rehearsals again next time,
because it gives us more time to focus on performance. Overall I feel like it
was a very enjoyable experience.
The performance:
For the song ‘will you still love me’, I found the harmonies
and sounding of the song was fantastic, we were in time and tune which is a
great accomplishment. From the moment we walked on stage I felt we were
confident in the piece which only enhanced the performance- it made it better. However
at times I wished we would relax more into the song, really perform it-
therefore all the sound was good the performance needed work on because at time
is became apparent that some of the members looked confused on what to do with
their body/faces, including myself at times. I felt like my hands were getting
a bit stiff and some of my energy was drilling towards there instead if my
face, voice etc. so this is something I need to work on personally, by getting
comfortable and letting any tension go while performing- more confidence throughout.
Our next song ‘rather be’, I felt like the energy was more clear
and to the surface. I felt like the audience reacted more in a positive way
when we performed this song, as a group it appeared we were comfortable singing
it and in result it sounded great. The harmonies were amazing and worked really
well, epically in the time we did it in- I felt like everyone was focused and
listened to one another. However it was still rough around the edges and a
couple more weeks rehearsing could have pushed it further- but that’s a step we
can take in the future.
What went well? :
- · The sound as an ensemble
- · The harmonies in both song were phenomenal
- · Connection with audience in 2nd song
- · The energy
- · Projection
- · Personally- eye contact and facial expressions
Where needs improvement?
:
- · The way we perform as a group
- · The way we move as a group and individuals
- · Connected with the song throughout
- · Choreography/ stage presents
- · Facial expressions and performance as a group
What to do next? :
· Focusing during practice so we can proceed onto the performance side
· Practicing outside rehearsals time, putting in extra effort to learn the harmonies, lyrics, movements etc. by doing this it will allow us to focus on cleaning the piece and ensuring its performance ready.
· Staying on top of the work, whether its to do with the blog, vocal warm up on re-capping the songs.
