Ensemble Performance

Play and sing in groups

Playing and Singing Together

An ensemble is a group making music together. This can be a choir (voices), band (instruments), orchestra or informal group. Playing together requires listening, keeping time, blending sounds and following a conductor or leader. Teamwork makes ensemble music powerful.

Example

Ensemble Skills

In ensemble performance: • Listen to others while playing/singing • Keep steady tempo (watch conductor/leader) • Balance your volume (don't drown out others) • Blend your tone with the group • Enter and exit at the right time Types: duet (2), trio (3), quartet (4), choir, band, orchestra

Note

Remember

Ensemble playing teaches cooperation, discipline and listening. SA has a strong choral tradition — school choirs compete nationally. Township jazz bands, marimba ensembles and gospel groups are all forms of ensemble music. Making music together builds community.

Key Vocabulary

EnsembleA group of musicians performing together

ConductorA person who leads and directs a musical group

BlendMixing sounds together so they sound unified

TempoThe speed at which music is played

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Ensemble

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