Voices of the Nation: What does being a good ensemble member mean to you?

What does being a good ensemble member mean to you?

Nelson Santos
David Douglas High School
Portland, Oregon

Being a good ensemble member is more than being able to play notes in tune and in time; it’s how well you as a person can work in a community. This is why being in band is so beneficial, not just cognitively but socially. In band, there isn’t just one singular player making music rather it takes a community of people. Sure, you can be a great player, but if you can’t work with your section or ensemble, are you really making music or are you just playing the notes on the page?

Emma Plumb
Mitchell High School
Mitchell, South Dakota

A good ensemble member puts the needs of the group first. They sacrifice their ego in order to make the ensemble look better and are willing to do any task, no matter how small or menial, to give their peers the greatest chance at success. This can look like arriving early to rehearsal to make sure everything is ready to start, staying back to reset the stage after a performance, or helping section members who are struggling with the music. They are willing to do these jobs without being asked. Ultimately, they are willing to work hard for others, not just themselves.

Hanson Irving
Amarillo High School
Amarillo, Texas

When asked what being a good ensemble member means, I kept thinking of the quote mentioned above and how perfectly it encapsulates the question. Being a good ensemble member means striving to be the best version of yourself, embodying your own character, and contributing to a common theme shared across a large group—no matter how small you believe your part is. It is not the lead actor or the supporting lead that makes beloved shows like Newsies, Seussical, or Beauty and the Beast iconic; it is the ensemble that elevates them into truly great musicals. In my experience as an ensemble member in several different casts and shows, I’ve learned that what makes a good ensemble member is the ability to be unique while still contributing to a cohesive whole. It’s a bond found nowhere else in the performance side of theatre, and it is truly special.