CMS Observation #2

This past Monday I had the opportunity to observe the Community Music School"s Youth Chorale for the second time. One remarkable thing that I've noticed about Kyle's teaching is that he gives instructions not only through his gesture, but by giving one simple line of instruction. For example, to keep the kids from dragging at a certain point in a song, he gave the instruction "This phrase is like a snowplow that just keeps moving. Sing it like that." The students immediately responded to this, and the phrase instantly improved. He also uses this strategy to draw out more effort and excitement about singing from the kids. For instance, there was a moment after the kids sang through a passage of a piece and Kyle said, "Raise your hand if you can do something to make that better. OK do it." There was another moment in which the girls were rehearsing an upbeat African piece, and Kyle told them to put their music down and look happy while they sing; look like they're actually having fun.  They did so, and their sound immediately became brighter. There was never a moment where Kyle's instructions became confusing or contained too many words - it is amazing what just a few simple words can do to change the sound of a choir!