Important Cast Updates & Action Steps
Greetings Cast,
It was a pleasure sitting in and watching portions of your rehearsal last week. From what I observed, there are some truly great things happening — along with a few key areas that need our attention as we move forward.
🎭 Cast Awareness
Please take the time to carefully review every column of the cast list. You must know which songs you are assigned to — it’s part of your professionalism. Coming into rehearsal asking, “Am I on that song?” shows lack of preparation and awareness.
This is especially important for vocalists, as background vocals are the icing on the cake and require precision.
🎤 Vocalists
Working through the choreography with you all was both fun and hilarious — and I can’t wait to take it to the next level. That said, it’s essential that you’re comfortable with your lyrics.Some of you discovered that singing and moving at the same time can be tricky. To reduce the struggle, make sure you:
Know your lyrics thoroughly.
Know which songs you’re performing on.
Practice movement and coordination outside of rehearsal.
🎻 String Players
I appreciate that many of you are confidently playing your parts — but remember, volume does not equal quality. Balance is key. Music is a team sport. Each part should blend and allow the full color of the band to come through.
Tone settings are also critical. Each genre demands specific tonal characteristics. If you’re unsure how to achieve the correct sound, consult your lesson teachers or directors. And most importantly — apply those settings during rehearsal, not just in lessons.
🎹 Keyboardists
Avoid block chords unless specifically written in the music. Your fingers should be active, doubling melodic lines and staying rhythmically conscious.
There are many types of organ sounds, each tied to a particular style or genre. If you’re unsure which patch to use, come see me for clarity. Be sure to:
Write down the patch number.
Practice presetting the Juno to find sounds quickly and efficiently.
⚠️ Conduct in Rehearsal
Your directors — and even a few parents — have informed me of disruptive behavior during downtime. This behavior has interfered with others’ ability to focus and rehearse.
Let me be clear: Not cool. (Cough, cough… you know who you are.)There are plenty of productive things to do during rehearsal. Don’t put your parents or your directors in a position where they need to report behavior issues to me. Let’s show respect for your peers and your craft.
🚀 Moving Forward
Overall, I’m pleased that we’re focusing on fine-tuning details rather than major issues. Please take time to:
Listen to the Round 2 material.
Begin mapping and analyzing the music as you did for Round 1.
Document your notes clearly.
In two weeks, we’ll be checking your progress — so knock this out now!
Let’s keep pushing toward excellence. I’m proud of the growth I’m seeing, and I know we can elevate even higher together.
Best regards,
Brandon
