As PMI 2025 fast approaches, our faculty and staff are so excited to welcome students from across Hawai‘i and beyond for an intensive week of music making and fun! We want all our students to be set up for success and, as the famous quote says, preparation is the key to success. Whether this is your first time attending or you’re a returning student, following these tips from our faculty will help you get the most out of your time at PMI. Let’s dive into what you should do before arriving and what to bring each day.
Essential Pre-PMI Preparation
Organize Your Music
When you receive your music, make sure it is organized in a binder or properly taped together. Fumbling with loose sheets during rehearsal can be stressful and disruptive. A well-organized folder or binder with secure page turns will help you focus on making music rather than managing papers.
In order to prioritize efficient note-taking, please stay away from using plastic page protectors when organizing your binders for PMI!
Number Your Measures
Write measure numbers at the start of each line in your music. This simple step will make rehearsals much smoother when faculty members reference specific measures. It saves valuable rehearsal time and helps everyone stay on the same page (literally!).
Learn Your Notes and Count Your Rests Carefully
Nothing builds confidence like knowing your parts inside and out! Take time to work through challenging passages slowly and accurately. Remember that rests are just as important as notes—counting them properly ensures you’ll come in at the right moment during rehearsals. The more comfortable you are with the music before starting PMI, the more time you can spend with your ensemble working on musicality and togetherness rather than learning the notes!
Listen to Recordings of Your Pieces
Familiarizing yourself with professional recordings will give you a better understanding of how your part fits into the whole. Listen for interpretation, tempo changes, and stylistic elements that might not be obvious from just reading the sheet music.
Check In With Your Private Teacher
For students with private instructors, it can be helpful to schedule a lesson before PMI begins, to review the music. They can help you work through difficult passages, offer advice specific to you and your instrument, and ensure you’re fully prepared. Their expertise will help you arrive feeling confident and ready to make music.
Practice Regularly
We can’t emphasize this enough: be sure to practice regularly in the weeks leading up to PMI! With just one week to become concert ready, arriving in great shape is essential. Focus on both your PMI repertoire and your fundamental techniques (like scales!) to build stamina and technical facility.
To Bring Each Day:
- Pencils – For marking your music during rehearsals
- Music – Your organized scores and parts
- Stands – A portable music stand for sectionals and practice rooms
- Water – Stay hydrated throughout the day
- Extra Strings, Reeds, Valve Oil/Supplies – Be prepared with instrument-specific essentials
- Spit Container (for brass instruments)
- Metronome – For personal practice sessions
- Endpin Stopper (if needed) – Cellists and bassists, don’t forget this!
Arriving prepared doesn’t just benefit you—it contributes to the success of the entire ensemble. When everyone comes ready to make music at their highest level, PMI becomes an even more rewarding experience for everyone!
We’re looking forward to making incredible music with you this summer at PMI 2025!