Meldog

I am an assistant conductor of our community orchestra and we are rapidly growing which is allowing us to take on much bigger pieces. I love conducting as much as I love playing. I'm always torn between the two. I am exerienced with a wind ensemble but I always feel out of place in front of an orchestra. We are also looking to possibly start up a youth orchestra and I want to volunteer to be the conductor of that group. Do you have any advice on how to become more comfortable in front of an orchestra? Also, I don't have a ton of knowledge on standard performance practices for many of the pieces. I know how to interpret the trumpet part in the style of the composer and time, or at least I'm getting better with it but as far as knowing how to do this with a full orchestra I am kind of a loss on where to even begin. Thanks for any and all advice!!

Adam W. Metzler

Manny Laureano

Adam,

Do you have a relationship with a professional conductor whom you respect? That's a place to get great technical advice and ideas about how to get things across to a good orchestra. There's no substitute for experience on the podium, so, never deny yourself that opportunity when it presents itself.

Don't be afraid about seeming pushy when it cmes to asking the boss if you can conduct something. If you're good the orchestra will enjoy you. If you're not, they'll let you know that too, and it'll be time to fix any shortcomings.

Good luck and enjoy your interest inconducting.

ML

trumpjosh

Adam -

As you should know, the first thing you need is a good collection of turtle-necks. Add a $150 haircut, a fake accent, and you should be ready for the big-time.

- Josh

P.S. - I can't believe no one beat me to this.

P.P.S - Good luck with the conducting. I would feel more nervous doing this than soloing with an orchestra any day.

brewblue1

Strong, the dark side is!

robertwhite

Also, the Eschenbach/Dr. Evil - type Kung Fu jacket!

Meldog

Thanks Josh, I knew I could always count on you for the perfect advice ..lol.

Thanks Manny, once I finish up with school, so I have a little more time on my hands, I will defintiely look into hooking up with a local conductor.

Adam

trumpjosh

Adam -

On a serious note, one of the best things you could do would be to study string technique and orchestration. I'm sure you probably had this some at UMaine, but perhaps some further investigation would serve you well (was that politically correct enough?). Your experience conducting bands will translate pretty well for the winds/brass with the possible exception of the various clefs used, but we covered all that in sight-singing, right? Hah! I told you there'd be a use for it!

In addition, score study would be a real help. Pick a composer, get the Dover scores (really cheap), get out the CDs (DVDs would be even better) and follow along. Improving your reading skills and listening skills is helpful no matter what your musical pursuit. Remember, very little of what makes a conductor has to do with stick technique.

Good luck,
Josh

Meldog

Thanks Josh, I knew that sight singing clefs would come back to haunt, I mean help me..lol. Now that you mention it, I think strings is one place I need to start working as that is one reason I feel at a loss in front of an orchestra as I really very little knowledge of how to actually play a string instrument. I'll have to see if I can get into our orchestra's library and borrow some scores over the summer. Thanks!!

Adam

Vulgano Brother

Whoa! Don't ask too much from yourself! A profi conductor knows every part better than the players do. You sound like you are willing to facilitate, and you have my full respect! Let your first players lead! You have the job of taking a step back and listening to what comes out. Am interested on Manny's take on this, but for me, an orchestra is a friggin' huge chamber group: in concert you are there to show them where the beat is. If you teach them where the music is, you have my fullest respect.
Shalom,
VB

Meldog

Thanks for the reply. At this point I know I don't need to worry about my conducting and rehearsal technique. Right now I need to work on my ability and knowledge of strings to start with as I just have a one semester crash course on all the strings which is no where near enough. I also need to start learning more literature and learning about the composers.

Adam