Strategies for Improving the Intonation of Your Orchestra

Abstract

Orchestra directors who address tone production, intonation and rhythmic precision as important priorities in rehearsal will greatly improve the sound of their orchestras. Of these three areas, fixing poor intonation can be the most challenging to address because it requires tremendous patience and ongoing attention from both director and students. As Cohen (2009) writes, “Intonation is a problem for string players, from beginner to advanced. And, it's a skill that most work on constantly.” (p. 23).

All orchestra directors would likely agree with Curry's observation that “slow and disciplined intonation practice is essential to becoming a great string player” (Curry, 2011, p. 94). Yet in an orchestra rehearsal, fixing intonation can bring the pace to a grinding halt. Teacher and students can be frustrated if rehearsals are consumed by slow work on intonation. Sometimes in rehearsal we apply an intonation “bandage” to a problem that actually requires a much lengthier treatment to cure. Fortunately, there are ways that intonation can be easily addressed in every rehearsal and gradually refined over time. This article will describe strategies that are commonly used to improve intonation in orchestras. Many of these strategies can be used at all levels, from elementary to the college level, as developmental or remedial strategies. Some will be more appropriate to use with younger students, some with older students.