Brian Doyle
Brian K. Doyle joined the Crane faculty in 2006 as Director of Bands. He
conducts the Crane Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, and also teaches
courses in conducting. A Michigan native, he received all of his degrees
in his home state. At Michigan State University, he received a BME and
two MM (saxophone and wind conducting) degrees. His principal teachers
included John Whitwell, Joseph Lulloff and James Forger. At the
University of Michigan, he received the AMusD in Wind Conducting under
the mentorship of Michael Haithcock. Dr. Doyle’s former teaching posts
include faculty positions at Indiana University, The University of North
Carolina – Chapel Hill, Duke University, and as a public school music
educator in Imlay City, MI. While in North Carolina, Dr. Doyle served as
the resident conductor of the Triangle British Brass Band from 1999
until 2002. Dr. Doyle has also served on the summer conducting faculty
of the renowned Interlochen Arts Camp, as well as the New England Music
Camp. Dr. Doyle now spends his summer as the conductor of the Crane Youth Music Wind Ensemble.
Clinic: A Mindful Approach to Rehearsal Technique
"Rehearsal is the process by which we eliminate multiplicities..." Sergiu Celibidache
This statement by renowned conductor Sergiu Celibidache is both simple and exhaustive in its scope and implications. In our efforts to create a sense of musical unicity, we must always guard against our rehearsals devolving into a monotonous state of "monitored practice."
While error detection and correction is a vital part of our rehearsal process, it all-too-often becomes a singular means to an end. Optimally, what should, or could, our rehearsals be? How does our physical, musical and pedagogical technique either facilitate or impede our progress toward this optimal goal?
This talk will explore several strategies to facilitate more proactive, mindful, engaging, and ultimately more productive rehearsals. These strategies will include: philosophical queries, musical preparation exercises, physical conducting exercises and classroom activities. Drawing from the philosophy of leadership specialist Robert Quinn, “before changing others, you must first be willing to fundamentally change yourself,” these strategies will focus upon changing you, in an effort to bring out the best in both you and your students.
Last reviewed: 1/19/2010