Now to take the subject down a few common denominator levels, to the ranks of the uneducated and definitely unpaid-- thoughts on conductors of adult amateur groups. There is much that could be discussed here among those who chose to think about it at least a little.
Amateurs play in ensembles for a variety of reasons, for differing goals. Most want to improve; most want the rehearsals and concerts to be enjoyable. I think these are among the most common and most important goals of amateurs. I am tired of looking around at faces in groups and seeing glum and frustrated expressions. The conductor is the one best positioned to change this undesirable condition. To cut this short-- conductors need to do the following. 1) Set clear expectations for performance. Hand out the music ahead of time and tell musicians to learn their parts in their own practice time. Give musicians a heads up of which pieces will be worked on at the next rehearsal-- announce at the previous rehearsal or send out a group e-mail. 2) Know the score yourself; know your interpretation. Nothing is as frustrating to the group as being directed by a conductor who is lost or is studying the score during rehearsal. 3) Hold your instructive comments until a substantial portion of the piece has been played-- better, wait until the movement is finished. Then go over your long list of comments with everyone. My biggest gripe is aimed at conductors who stop every time they have some comment to make-- this may be acceptable for the pro ranks, but it is totally unacceptable for amateur groups. Remember that amateurs are there to enjoy the music, not to be micromanaged by a neurotic conductor-- and there are many of these out there. 4) The conductor at rehearsal should bring the ensemble together to play as a unity, to bring intensity to the music beyond the mere mechanics. The key awareness issue for clear-headed ensemble amateurs is -- are we having fun? Regards, Larry __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
