Since September, I have been working as a rehearsal accompanist for the Goshen College choirs. I have been an accompanist for many years with my first experiences in high school. It is a different thing to be a rehearsal accompanist and not the real accompanist. First, I don't feel any need to actually practice the pieces since I'll never be performing them. Secondly, the performing accompanist also rehearses with the choirs and we split duties. She is far most accomplished than I am which is an intimidating thing. Most places I go, I am the best pianist around. So, this is good for me. It makes me realized that I could push myself to do more.
My favorite part of rehearsal accompanying is listening to and watching the students. They are full of life and energy... at least most days. I enjoy making music with students at this level -- it is a nice contrast to my day-to-day work with middle school and high school students. It is encouraging to see how the students grow older and mature. It is inspiring to think that some of my students will be this gifted and engaged some day!
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