Building an Ensemble of Growth

In this article, Tran discusses how successful directors continue to grow and build their ensembles. He believes that this continual growth to success comes from the belief “that with enough work, they could grow and achieve, and that mindset fueled their drive and success” (Tran, 2024).

To delve deeper into ensembles' continuous growth, Tran first cites the research of psychologist Carol Dweck, who focuses on the “link between your belief in abilities and intelligence and your performance through adversity.” Dweck's research distinguishes between a “fixed” and “growth” mindset and states that “students with a growth mindset have better intrinsic motivation, self-esteem, and perseverance” (Tran, 2024). 

To encourage an ensemble of growth, Tran shares the following steps and provides insight into how each motivates him to build this sense of growth. 

1. Prove it. Where’s the evidence? 

2. Create goals to grow toward. 

3. Put in the work. 

4. Evaluate execution and provide feedback. 

5. Self-assessment: Where am I and where do I want to be? 

There have been many times when I’ve looked at leading choral directors and their ensembles and wondered how they made it to where they are today. I also sit down and reflect on my journey as a music educator and director, considering where I began and how fulfilling the process has been. Each year, each semester, I take the time to write out a set of goals—not only for myself but for my choirs as well. This mirrors what Tran discusses in his article about successful directors constantly growing their ensembles by setting goals and putting in the work. I even share some of these goals with my students to gain their insight and, most importantly, their buy-in. This aligns with Tran’s emphasis on creating shared goals as a pathway to growth.

While I want my ensembles to grow, improve, and achieve great success, this can’t land solely in my hands. My students must be on this journey with me. As Tran mentions, fostering a "growth" mindset is essential, but we must also remember that this mindset doesn’t develop in isolation. Drawing on Carol Dweck’s research, which Tran cites, the belief in one’s abilities and intelligence, especially when faced with adversity, plays a crucial role in achieving success. I’ve found that not everyone in the room starts with a growth mindset, but once we lock in and those who are initially hesitant witness the collective effort and progress, it’s incredible to see the transformation unfold. As Tran suggests, it’s about showing evidence of growth and constantly evaluating our execution, allowing us to assess where we are and want to be.