What does a brand-new conductor need to know?
MENC member Sandra Dackow is president of the Conductors Guild and the music director of the Hershey Symphony Orchestra in Pennsylvania as well as conductor at Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. Here are her tips for someone about to launch into conducting an ensemble:
- Analyze, mark, and really know your scores, even if they are very easy. Your ability to maintain eye contact with students while conducting will minimize classroom management problems.
- Use a podium and a conductor’s baton—these allow the students to see you more easily, especially those in the back of sections. Many teachers of younger ensembles don’t bother with these, but, I assure you, they can make a huge difference in your ability to communicate and hold the group’s attention.
- Insist that every student bring and use a pencil throughout the rehearsal.
- Don’t be a time-beater. Students don’t need you to set a steady beat throughout; they need you to show music. If all your beats look the same and just lay down time, students will stop watching and tune you out.
- Don’t begin by counting off. Even a young ensemble can follow logical conducting, including a prep beat. This will pay huge dividends during performances.
- Let the students see how passionate you are about the music, and they will want to come along where you lead!
Resources for your students: Check out Spotlight on Teaching Orchestra or Spotlight on Teaching Band, available at $22.46 each to MENC members from Rowman & Littlefield Education. Order online or call 800-462-6420. MENC members receive 25% off the list price of $29.95 with the MENC promo code. (Don't know the code? Call 800-828-0229 or contact Member Services.)
--Ella Wilcox, July 2, 2008, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education (www.menc.org)