All orchestra teachers desire more rehearsal time, and maximizing limited podium-time is crucial to achieving success in the classroom. This session delves into tried-and-true preparation practices that orchestra teachers of all levels can use to increase their efficacy during rehearsals. Specific techniques for score marking, part marking, learning to model individual parts, and assessing tricky sections will be discussed in addition to other important rehearsal preparation items.
James Mick
- Biographical Information
James Mick, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Music Education at Ithaca College in upstate New York where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in string pedagogy, orchestral rehearsal techniques, instrumental conducting, and the psychology of music teaching and learning. An active conductor and clinician, Dr. Mick frequently conducts All-State and other honor orchestras around the country and is a regular guest presenter at state and national music education conferences. He is a past-president of New York American String Teachers Association and served as music director of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra from 2015 to 2023. Dr. Mick’s research interests include public school string program viability, adjudication reliability, performance perceptions, and string instrument vibrato characteristics. His work is published in a variety of scholarly journals and books. He previously taught elementary and middle school orchestra in Texas, and high school orchestra and jazz in New York. He holds music education degrees from Florida State University, Ithaca College, and Texas Christian University.