ABSTRACT
A training event is no different from any other public performance of, say, a play or orchestral concert. Just gathering together a group of actors or musicians and putting them in the auditorium a few moments before the performance is likely to result in a memorable event - but not one they or you would wish to be remembered by. As you will readily appreciate, there is a great deal of work done by all involved in the enterprise before the play or concert is performed, particularly when it is a premiere. This struck a chord powerfully with me when I was staying for a few days at the same hotel as a symphony orchestra. Each morning, as I walked down the corridor to my room, I would hear a variety of different instrumental sounds emanating from each musician's room as they practised alone. After lunch they would meet for a rehearsal lasting two or three hours and then, after a break, for that evening's performance. The conductor and players were leaving nothing to chance - good preparation was the key to their success.
