Preparing for the Workshop

Prior To Arrival…

Maximize workshop benefits by being prepared: study assigned pieces thoroughly, use resources like YouTube for recordings, seek technical guidance if needed, collaborate with fellow musicians, be open to different interpretations, and make collective musical decisions.

Parts and Score

Please connect with the coach and members of your ensemble so that everyone is using the same edition. Even though your part and score may have rehearsal letters/numbers, please add measure numbers if they are not already printed. If hand-numbering your part, it is helpful to double check your counting with your colleagues.

For long rests, sustained notes, or tricky entrances, you may find it helpful to add cues to your part.

Please resolve any page-turning issues as we do not have access to photocopying facilities.

These preparations will greatly facilitate rehearsals and coachings.

Tips on how to count measures

At the start of a movement, check to see that you have a full bar; i.e., if it is a “pick-up bar”, don’t count it.
If a measure is divided across a double bar, across a repeat, across a change of clef, key, or meter, or from one staff system to the next, be sure not to count it twice. Don’t count subdivisions within measures marked by dotted lines.
If a change of time signature results in a mid-work “pick-up bar”, don’t count that, either.
Do count the final downbeat of the piece, even if the measure is incomplete.
At a repeat with first and second endings, don’t count the first ending. In general, count only the last in a set of endings.
Count trios, codas or variations in continuity with the preceding printed measures, even if they are not played in that sequence; do not restart from “1”. Count tacet parts in trios or variations in accordance with the score.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time will we spend playing music?

You will be playing about five hours during each of the three full days of the workshop. In the evenings and during breaks, most participants engage in additional casual playing. You can build up your stamina before arriving by gradually increasing your daily playing time so you can get the full benefit of the program.

What are the living arrangements if I choose to stay on campus?

The entire workshop takes place in Hazlett Hall, an air conditioned dormitory building with suite-style living arrangements. Each participant is given a single occupancy bedroom in a four-person suite with shared bathroom. Each suite includes a common area with refrigerator, sink, and common space with music stands and chairs.

What’s the food like?

All meals take place at the Gettysburg College Dining Hall, which is a short and flat 5-minute walk from Hazlett Hall. The Dining Hall has meat, vegetarian and vegan options for each meal.

What should I bring?

Bring your instrument(s), an extra music stand for private practice, and your sheet music or iPad. Bring bed sheets (twin XL or full), extra blankets, and a pillowcase. Bring standard toiletries, including a towel.

Am I required to perform?

Although no group is required to perform their coached works, a majority do choose to participate in a “closing concert” attended by coaches and fellow participants.