Thinking outside the Zoom box: Discovering resilience, innovation and creativity for large instrumental ensembles during the pandemic

This paper provides readers with insights and strategies to tackle challenges of various remote and in-person large ensemble rehearsal situations, as well as hopefully inspires others to find the opportunities through the obstacles. The authors provide tips and strategies for creating innovative and cross-disciplinary projects and providing valuable experience for the ensemble students in virtual, hybrid and socially distanced in-person educational settings. Strategies presented are gathered from the authors’ first-hand experiences with their large orchestral ensembles (ranging from 50–70 students) during the pandemic. Finally, the authors provide insights on what has worked well, challenges faced, technologies applied and lessons learned during the process. This paper also discusses various creative strategies to highlight collaboration and create a sense of community and belonging in a remote environment. Readers will gain ideas regarding unique teaching concepts for the music ensemble in the current environment including fully remote instruction, hybrid instruction and in-person settings. Matters such as utilising the audio Jamulus platform, engaging students in synchronous format, wellness for the instructor and students, finding value and motivation and embracing technology will be explored throughout the paper.