Beginning Conducting Questions

Question 1

List Five descriptors of a good choral conductor

Answer 1

manager, organizer, disciplinarian, educator, promoter

Question 2

Conducting is a VISUAL art. Explain.

Answer 2

Musical expression is shown with the stick.

Question 3

Why is it necessary to conduct (beat time) with the right hand?

Answer 3

Tradition. The orchestra expects it there.

Question 4

Give at least THREE reasons why using a baton is beneficial.

Answer 4

1) Visible- closer to players
2) Shows/highlights bad habits
3) Makes conducting with your hand better

Question 5

The preparatory gesture should imply at least THREE things. List them.

Answer 5

1) Tempo
2) Articulation
3) Dynamics

Question 6

What is a double preparation and when is it acceptable to use?

Answer 6

Two gestures. When entry is on the off-beat.

Question 7

What does “field of beating/conducting plane” mean and where is it exactly?

Answer 7

Horizontal and vertical axis. All beats there.

Question 8

Describe proper posture when conducting.

Answer 8

Stand straight, feet shoulder-width apart, feet slightly offset, knees relaxed.

Question 9

Describe the concept of “negating the beat” and when it is to be used.

Answer 9

“Float” the beat- not pulsing every beat

Question 10

Discuss the preparation involved in cueing, cutting off, and indicating accents. How does the conductor PREPARE for each?

Answer 10

Ceuing: previous beat
Cut off: usually clockwise motion
Indicating accent: previous beat

Question 11

Conducting gesture of legato expressive

Answer 11

Connected, smooth, flowing

Question 12

Conducting gesture of staccato

Answer 12

Short and detached, from the wrist

Question 13

Conducting gesture of tenuto

Answer 13

Lead withe the wrist (fishing)

Question 14

Conducting gesture of dynamics

Answer 14

size of beat- smaller, soft/big, loud

Question 15

Conducting gesture of accelerando

Answer 15

size of beat- smaller, faster/big beat, slower

Question 16

Conducting gesture of rallentando/ritard

Answer 16

slower

Question 17

What is the most common type of conducting style?

Answer 17

legato

Question 18

Give at least TWO purposes of the left hand

Answer 18

Dynamics, cut off and Qs

Question 19

When is it permissible to use a subdivided beat in conducting? Should it be used often?

Answer 19

If tempo is slow or for the group to slow down. NO.

Question 20

Discuss the three types of fermatas and how to conduct each.

Answer 20

1) Hold, stop completely, prepare
2) Hold, cut off/prep same gesture
3) Keep stick moving

Question 21

Why is conducting technique important?

Answer 21

A solid foundation to work with different types of musicians. Standardized techniques to go anywhere. Impart a directive to the ensemble that is consistent.