The Practice Paradox: Quality vs.
Quantity in Band Rehearsals
Back in Rwanda, my days in the Impuhwe Choir and other bands were a whirlwind of musical activity. We'd often practice three or more times a week—Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays were full band days. Then, Tuesdays were dedicated solely to instrumentalists, and lead singers had their own exclusive sessions. That's a solid five days of rehearsals almost every single week! And you know what? The results spoke for themselves. Our music arrangements were always on point, the vocals were tight, and our stage presence was top-notch. It was an intense but incredibly rewarding experience that truly honed our skills and chemistry as a group.
A Different Beat in Kenya
So, naturally, when I
moved to Kenya and wanted to join a worship team here in Nakuru, I expected a
similar commitment. I eagerly asked about their rehearsal schedule, mentally
preparing for a packed week. Their response? "Oh, we practice on
Saturdays."
Just Saturdays. One
day a week.
I was genuinely in
shock! After the rigorous schedule I was used to, this felt like barely
scratching the surface. I tried to familiarize myself with this new rhythm, but
honestly, I found myself bored during the week, yearning for more musical
engagement. Saturdays just weren't enough for me to truly blend with the team,
master the dynamics of the songs, or fully immerse myself in the vocal
arrangements.
Finding the Rehearsal Sweet Spot
This stark contrast
got me thinking a lot about the "right" amount of practice. Is there
a magic number?
On one hand, the
Rwandan approach, while demanding, clearly led to exceptional performances. The
sheer volume of rehearsal time allowed for deep dives into every aspect of the
music, from intricate harmonies to seamless transitions. It built an undeniable
synergy within the band.
On the other hand,
perhaps the Kenyan approach prioritizes efficiency and relies more on
individual preparation. It might assume that musicians are practicing on their
own time and that the Saturday session is primarily for bringing it all
together.
So, How Often Should a Band Practice?
From my experience,
I've come to believe there's a practice paradox.
Too little practice, and you risk a lack of cohesion, unpolished performances,
and a struggle to evolve as a group. Too much practice, without clear goals or
efficient use of time, can lead to burnout and diminish the joy of making
music.
The ideal frequency
likely depends on several factors:
·
Band's
Goals: Are you aiming for
professional-level performances, or is it more for fun and fellowship?
·
Musician
Availability: Realistically, how
much time can everyone commit?
·
Complexity
of Material: Are you playing
intricate arrangements or simpler songs?
·
Performance
Frequency: How often do you need
to be "gig-ready"?
Personally, I thrive
on more frequent rehearsals. It's not just about perfecting the notes; it's
about building chemistry, exploring new ideas, and truly becoming a cohesive
unit. For me, that connection and constant refinement are key to delivering an
impactful musical experience.
So, tell me, how often do you rehearse
with your band or worship team? And how frequently do you perform? I'm curious
to hear about your experiences!
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