Posted by Geoff Neuman-January 2008 Mentor on January 07, 2008 at 05:04:51:
In Reply to: Challenge seating posted by S on January 02, 2008 at 12:27:27:
: I have never used a "challenge" seating system....but am considering it with my orchestra.
: Things I am curious about:
: 1. how much does it (in your opinion) stimulate practicing in reality? Students are very motivated by where they sit. I have found that they do practice more if they know it could move them up to a higher chair.
: 2. How much time does it take to handle the challenges? Is there a set "challenge" time/day? or is it whenever someone wants to throw down the gauntlet? In my program I do them outside of classtime. They take place at lunch or before/after school between the students involved. I do not tell them extactly what the excerpts will be. However, they are taken from the music we are working on and usually where their section is struggling some.
: 3. are the challenges only using the music you perform? or does it involve skills...scales/arpeggios etc....? I usually only pick music we are working on but using scales/arpeggios could help in tie breaker situations.
: 4. Does it create any bitterness or resentment within the sections? Sometimes but it does not last.
: Thoughts to these or other relevant topics? Thanks! I do not promote music as a "sport" but competition is not bad all the time if it is to motivate.