The Growing Band Director (175) Edge of Your Seat Rehearsals Throwback with Matthew Arau
Nov 22, 2025
Dr. Matthew Arau, founder of Upbeat Global and author focused on leadership and rehearsal engagement. He explores the 'upbeat' as mindset, techniques to keep every student involved, and kinesthetic tools like air-and-fingers and the pong hand game. Topics include pacing, subdivision, creative percussion roles, singing and speaking parts, and five levels of listening.
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The Upbeat Is A Chosen Attitude
- The conductor's upbeat is a metaphor for intentional attitude and mental preparation before action.
- Choosing your 'upbeat' lets you lead from within and influence others positively.
Engage Everyone Every Rehearsal
- Aim to keep every student engaged throughout rehearsal to maximize learning in limited time.
- Use simple group activities so off‑section students actively support the section being coached.
Turn Non‑Players Into The Metronome
- Make non‑playing students become the ensemble's tempo keepers by subdividing vocally or kinesthetically.
- Use 'egg shakers up' (or mimed shakers) to get wrists moving and ears focused while a section works.
