Suggested rehearsal schedule for ensembles using system 50:50

[Phil Morton]

There are three parts to this

Part 1

• Play a series of short pieces, six minutes long, for example 4 x 5 mimute pieces
• variation one: everyone has the same ratio of their clock
• variation: use the rotation system - teach clock is different, each clock has a different ration, the clocks are rotated after each pieces
• refer to the topic `rotation`

Part 2
Play one longer piece, using system 50:50 say 12-20 minutes

Part 3
Play without system 50:50, no preset time restriction, the improvisers play in their own time.

So it goes like this

1. Play a series of short pieces using system 50;60
2. Play one longer piece using system 50:50
3. Play without system 50:50 - play standard free improv without a preset time limit

I have found this to be very effective or rewarding
I speculate this is worth a try.
A new ensemble will discover or explore the creative dynamic in the people present, let us say, quicker.
An old ensemble, will have a good time too

[mrtnhcktt]

Suggested variation:
! - Short pieces with clocks at 50:50
2 - longer piece at 50:50
3 - rotation - as many sections as there are players
4 - break - go for a walk, a beer, trainspotting, whatever
5 - repeat 3, but with longer sections
6 - free piece to a set (strict) time limit

[Phil Morton]

Commenting on the original schedule by PM - RH has commented by private email the following

Also I think it is misleading that there seems to be a goal of free improv with no time limit set. This reduces 50:50 to a tool to arrive at the promised land of freedom. I think it is more of a compositional tool in its own right.