About the course

"Get ready to perform! See how a small ensemble plays together without a conductor, from following the section leader, to using the rhythm as the conductor. Practice active listening, a vital skill in musicianship for any size ensemble.

Be a leader, active listener, and intelligent contributor in musical ensembles of all sizes."

Project

Play Along

Course overview

Playing In a Small Ensemble

Learn what might make up a small ensemble, and why they might not have a conductor.

Following a Section Leader

Students will learn how to watch a section leader like you would watch a conductor.

Listening

Students will learn how listening plays a vital role as an ensemble musician.

Cues

Students will learn about different kinds of cues used in the absence of a conductor, and how to look for them.

Rhythm as Conductor

Learn how rhythm instruments can drive an ensemble, small or large.

Tags:

Listening Skills
Music
Performance
Rhythm
Small Ensemble

Recommended Materials

A friend, and pencils for drumsticks.

Instructor

Brooke T.

Percussionist and Musical Theatre Composer

Brooke Trumm is a composer, percussionist, and teaching artist in New York, NY. She has her Bachelor’s in Music Composition from the University of Idaho, and her Master's in Musical Theatre Writing from New York University. Recently, she wrote songs for Rattlestick Playwright Theatre's "Village Song," and Lincoln Center's "Broadway's Future Songbook" series. Brooke has been an active percussionist for 16 years, recently performing at Bowery Electric, Arlene’s Grocery, and Feinstein’s/54 Below. Brooke has a fondness for teaching music theory, she has taught at The School for Strings in Manhattan for the last year and a half, and many years prior in Oregon and Idaho. She is excited to bring that passion for music theory and general music to learners through the Music Club.

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