Time flies

Disciplinary background A. Music psychology. In Western classical music, participation generally involves a preparation period, and a performance. Time constraints have been shown to affect behaviour during rehearsal (Kokotsaki, 2007) and shifts in focus observed as performance approaches, from verbal communication to nonverbal interactions (King & Gritten, 2018). Disciplinary background B. Organisational science. The punctuated equilibrium model of team development (Gersick, 1991) predicts a change in behaviour at the calendar midpoint, regardless of the timeframe over which this unfolds. Later research suggests this provides a type of ‘semistructure’(Okhuysen & Waller, 2002), which, along with familiarity, norms and goals, provides a framework for working on complex tasks. Abstract This research aims to explore the group development and interactions experienced by newly-formed music ensembles as they prepare for performance. This study contributes to understanding of the role of time in the pacing and unfolding of activities in rehearsal series, using a mixed-methods approach including patterns of verbal interactions, interviews, and visual diagramming. Two newly-formed vocal quintets were studied over a three-month period. The study identified time-bracketed periods of rapid development and change, which were triggered by internal factors (interactions, feedback, new ideas) and external influences (deadlines, time constraints). Within this cultural context, the practice-based norms of Western classical music provided a source of structure and stability, whilst internal and external events were catalysts for change (Pennill & Breslin, 2021). These opposing tensions gave rise to a series of transition points and phases of development. The findings also revealed that non-conscious patterns of verbal interaction arose during the earliest interactions, became more complex to the mid-point of the rehearsal series, and then simplified as the group progressed towards their recital at the end of the study period. Qualitative data from interviews and visual diagramming with group members also supported a mid-point shift in group development. Together, these findings suggest a new, three-phase framework for small group collaboration. The study contributes to research on emergent behaviour in newly-formed groups, providing further evidence