The Conductor

• Conductors are usually present in one of the following situations
• choir
• Jazz group
• Smaller instrumental ensemble

Some people are confused by the point of a conductor, what do they do? How can the players understand what they are doing?

Like instrumentalists, conductors also have their own sense of style and each will vary from ensemble to ensemble.  The style will also change according to genre as there are different factors to consider, for example, a band leader or conductor of a jazz group will keep the band in time as well as signal when performers are to take solos.There are some general tips on how to treat conductors before understanding how to follow them.

• When playing a concert, the performers should always stand an applaud to show respect
• The lead instrumentalists of each section should follow the conductor the closest. It is their responsibility to lead the other players in their section.
• Watch the conductor using your peripheral vision.  This will allow you to follow them as well as read your music.
• When the composer states the next piece of music, quickly and quietly change you music, especially in a concert situation.  Talking and chatting in-between undermines their seniority.

A conductor does so much more than keep time.  They know the music inside out and shape the orchestra, leading them during a performance.  Here are some quick tips on how to follow the conductor;

The baton, usually held in the right hand will determine the tempo of the beat.  The conductor usually holds a baton to show clarity to the rest of the players.  The downward stroke will determine the first beat of the bar.  If a player ever becomes lost in a piece of music, this will allow them to start the next bar at the correct point.  For example, in a standard time piece of music, the first beat is down, the second to the left, the third to the right and the fourth upwards.  This then starts again from the beginning.

The conductor will determine the quality of the beat and what he wants the orchestra do to with it by using expressive gestures.  Body language and even facial expressions can determine a loud, aggressive beat of music or a soft subtle one.  Again, it is important for the conductor to know the music.  More often than not he is watching the orchestra and guiding them, rather than following the music.