Group Dynamics

Dear Kerry and Friends,

I was looking at the American Horn Quartet photos when it dawned on me that the chamber ensemble has been together for a very long time! I was wondering, in times of great stress how do you keep the group from going crazy and splitting? This semester has been way to busy for my brass quintet, as individuals and a group, and as a result one of our members decided he wasn't going to rehearse or perform with us because the tension within the group was way too much for him. Now that I look back I should have seen the signs, but hindsight is 20/20... What do I do when the group chemistry isn't ticking right, or rather, what have you and your group done when things get a little stressful on the job? Do you guys just 'get along' all the time? Any wisdom on the subject would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

-Casey