6:2 Posture and Stance

Question 1

posture and stance are essential to a proper conducting technique. T/F

Answer 1

True

Question 2

a conductor’s body should appear both natural and commanding. T/F

Answer 2

True

Question 3

feet should be wide set and knees bent. T/F

Answer 3

False

feet should be shoulder width apart, knees straight but not locked.

Question 4

The conductor should be at attention while conducting. T/F

Answer 4

False
only when the ensemble is at attention, and
when conducting the national anthem, honors and service hymns.

Question 5

how does a conductor assume position of attention from a conducting posture?

Answer 5

toes pointed slightly outward, allowing conductor to move to attention by only moving the left foot

Question 6

arms are straight out and above waist level. T/F

Answer 6

False

• forearms parallel to floor
• elbow bend slightly greater than 90*
• elbows rest at 4 and 8 o’clock

Question 7

the baton is optional for the conductor. T/F

Answer 7

False

it is one of the most prominent tools of communication for the conductor

Question 8

what are the parts of the baton?

Answer 8

handle
shaft
tip

Question 9

a well constructed baton will have what?

Answer 9

a balance point at the junction of the handle and shaft

Question 10

what is the recommended length of a baton

Answer 10

10-16 inches with shorter lengths for smaller ensembles/indoor venues; longer lengths for outdoor venues/larger ensembles

Question 11

it is recommended that the color of a baton shaft is

Answer 11

natural and conservative. white and/or natural wood tone.

Question 12

fleet conductors are recommended to own one baton.

Answer 12

False

at least two batons, one of each color

Question 13

ensure that the tip of the baton is pointed at

Answer 13

an angle somewhere between 10 and 11 o’clock

Question 14

the intended expressive gesture is comprised of

Answer 14

• posture and stance
• contour and ictus
• facial expression and eye contact

Question 15

what use is actual eye contact when you could just look in someone’s general direction?

Answer 15

meaningful eye contact will

• communicate intent
• impart impulse of will
• alert musicians of a gesture

Question 16

conductor’s facial expressions and eye contact should reflect what?

Answer 16

the mood of the gesture

Question 17

turning over the hands, as in holding something in the palm, will indicate what?

Answer 17

a fermata

Question 18

adjusting the intensity of what is quite effective in delivering an expressive gesture

Answer 18

hands (or baton grip)

Question 19

what 3 planes is the conducting area divided into?

Answer 19

vertical, horizontal, sagittal

saggital plane is depth and can be used to address the various rows of the ensemble.

Question 20

when conducting an ensemble in a concert formation, the hands should be positioned where?

Answer 20

between the chest and face

Question 21

when conducting and ensemble in block band formation, the hands should be where?

Answer 21

approximately eye level

Question 22

why is stage presence important for a conductor?

Answer 22

they are the personal link between the audience and the ensemble.

Question 23

if the fingers of the left hand are relaxed, the musical response is likely to be a marcato response. T/F

Answer 23

False.

Fingers that are relaxed and opened slightly will yield a legato to light staccato response.