Video: Online Workshop on Delivering Online Orchestra and Performance Models

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On Thursday, 13 August 2020, Katharine Mac Mághnuis of Athenry Music School delivered an online workshop on delivering online orchestra and performance models – strategy, problems and possible solutions.

This workshop was available online for a limited time however, Katharine has kindly agreed to allow the video to be online for a longer period of time in order to further help those returning to teaching and ensemble making.

Note: We ask that this video is not shared on social media, but it can be distributed to musicians and tutors.

You can watch the video “delivering online orchestra and performance models – strategy, problems and possible solutions” below.

In this workshop, Katharine covered a range of topics including (but not exclusive to):

  • Delivery methods and quality of content, including balancing of speaker on / speaker off, creating a sense of harmony for the members, developing a critical ear, developing ensemble playing, playing old repertoire, developing new repertoire, having fun, socialising among themselves, etc.
  • Repertoire – the methods, pace and style of teaching online are very different from live teaching. While teaching two polyphonic parts online is possible, it is far from ideal.
  • Grouping sections – this is either informed by the students, or the repertoire, or both!
  • Timetabling – the ability to deliver orchestra online at a time that the students would normally receive live orchestra. (Students may normally receive individual lessons before and after orchestra).
  • Tutors – Conductors v Demonstrators, and their availability, suitability, and timetables.
  • Cost – If each orchestra normally had 2 tutors per 40 students, it is likely those costs would at least double to accommodate online sections that are teachable.
  • FUN! Orchestra is a social event! – How can we have fun, create opportunities for members to mix and have social freedom in an online context?

Katharine addressed possible problems and issues that may arise and possible / partial solutions that may be implemented.