In this lecture you'll learn:

• What a double prep is
• The select few situations in which to apply a double prep
• The many situations where a double prep causes ensemble problems

Why You Need To Learn It

• So you can be clear in where sound starts
• Ensemble will breathe and play together

What Will Happen If You Don't

• The ensemble will not watch you
• The ensemble may come in early
• The ensemble may come in late
• The ensemble get nervous anticipating the beginning of a piece or section
• You create an unclear gesture

General Principles

• The more gestures we give before the beat the more likely someone will come in early
• The longer the prep (more beats) the more nervousness it creates
• When we count in verbally we train the ensemble NOT to watch
• When we give multiple preps we are showing the ensemble we don't trust them to come in with a single upbeat

How to Train the Ensemble to Come In

1. Get the ensemble to breathe together with you (no arms) and play a note
2. Get the ensemble to breathe with you (with arms) and play a note
3. This can be taught from lesson/rehearsal number one for beginners

Situations to Use A Double Prep

• The tempo is fast (usually above 132) - ensemble needs more time to read the tempo and respond
• Compound meter (eg. 3/4 in 1) - you may give more than one beat so they have time to read the tempo (and set their subdivision)

How to Give A Double Prep

1. The additional prep beat/s have no preparation and no rebound
2. Gestures are very small and passive (dead beats)
3. There is no breath with the first gesture of the two preps (eg. beat 3 in 4/4 when the music starts on 1)
4. Breathe on the final prep (eg. beat 4 in 4/4 when the music starts on 1)