EDITING MU Volume 2 - Section 5 Conducting (Ch 1-5) Flashcards
What is the role of a conductor as a servant leader?
A conductor as a servant leader places the needs of the organization, mission, and musicians before their own. They focus on developing their leadership style, character, and technical abilities, and invest in the musical growth and experience of others.
How do conductors committed to servant leadership promote a positive atmosphere?
They remain mindful of their influence and demeanor, treat everyone with dignity and respect, and maintain high standards of musical proficiency, professional skill, and military courtesy.
Describe the qualities that conductors committed to servant leadership possess.
They are passionate about their role, believe in the full potential of the band, are dedicated to the mission of the organization, and consistently seek to improve their own musical and leadership skills.
What are the underlying messages conveyed by the Navy’s leadership traits and principles?
The Navy’s leadership traits and principles convey a message that challenges all to remain focused on the mission, lead with a vision, set personal and organizational goals, and be effective communicators.
What is the significance of integrity in fostering mutual trust and confidence among an ensemble?
Integrity is one of the defining qualities that fosters mutual trust and confidence among an ensemble, and conductors must understand that any deficiencies in performance should not be clouded behind showmanship, charisma, or authority.
Describe the role of a conductor as a servant leader in the context of the United States Navy Band.
A conductor as a servant leader in the United States Navy Band program is confident in their abilities, open to constructive feedback, and focuses on developing musicianship, fostering teamwork, and communication.
Do mission statements within the Navy band program guide decision-making? If so, how?
Yes, mission statements within the Navy band program guide decision-making by informing choices on personnel, operational tempo, ensemble types, repertoire, programming, and resource allocation.
How do mission statements within the Navy band program support higher authorities and other entities within the Department of Defense?
Mission statements within the Navy band program support higher authorities and other entities within the Department of Defense by serving as force multipliers and aligning with the mission of the local commander.
Describe what a vision is and its importance for an organization or individual.
A vision is a clear picture of future success, written in an inspirational manner, providing a compass point for an organization or individual to focus on achieving. It helps define goals, objectives, and long/short term successes, and strengthens an organization’s culture through a unified sense of purpose.
Define a personal vision for a conductor.
A personal vision for a conductor may define what type of servant leader they want to be, delineate what musical knowledge they want to attain, or reflect a desire to become more proficient in their craft.
How can conductors ensure the musical vision is achieved?
Conductors can ensure the musical vision is achieved by being committed to score study, practice, and critical listening, which provide them with the knowledge and skills required to articulate a clear picture of what the music needs to express.
Describe the role of goals in a musical organization.
Goals are action items that ensure a vision is achieved in smaller portions, providing clear objectives to encourage the group to challenge themselves and accomplish the mission.
Describe the communication model in the context of a conductor and ensemble members.
The communication model involves the conductor as the sender, the message being the verbal and non-verbal cues, the musicians as the receivers, and their responses as feedback.
Define the sender in the communication model described in the content.
In the context of the communication model, the sender refers to the conductor or leader.
How can continuous personal development of communication skills benefit a conductor?
Continuous personal development of communication skills is crucial to the effectiveness of a conductor in directing, influencing, guiding, and inspiring ensemble members.
Do musicians play a role as active listeners in the communication model described?
Yes, musicians are considered active listeners who constantly interpret and respond to verbal and non-verbal messages sent by the conductor.
Describe the basic communication model illustrated in the diagram.
The basic communication model is a continuous cycle where the conductor is an active listener, and feedback is provided by the musician in the form of a musical response.
What factors should the conductor consider when communicating with different receivers?
The conductor should consider the receiver’s role or position, experience, personality or group dynamic, and cultural background.
Define the importance of considering cultural background in communication.
Considering cultural background is important to ensure that certain words and phrases are not misinterpreted, especially between different cultures or between military and civilian populations.
How should conductors give feedback and make corrections in communication?
Conductors should understand the difference between feedback/corrections and reprimanding, reserving reprimanding as a last resort.
Describe the role of the conductor in ensuring effective verbal communication.
The conductor must be aware of who they are communicating with and ensure their message is received as intended, considering factors such as the receiver’s role, experience, personality, and cultural background.
Describe the importance of professional courtesy, honesty, and tact when providing feedback or making corrections.
Professional courtesy, honesty, and tact are important in providing feedback or making corrections to maintain dignity and respect.
How can modifications of the voice promote accurate interpretation of a message?
Modifications of the voice, such as changes in volume, rise and inflection, clarity, and tempo (cadence) of the speech, can promote accurate interpretation of a message.
Define non-verbal communication and its role for a conductor as both the sender and receiver of information.
Non-verbal communication includes a wide variety of gestures that can either reinforce or detract from the intent of a verbal message. It aids the conductor as both the sender and receiver of information.
What questions should a conductor ask when considering non-verbal gestures?
The conductor should ask (1) what message and expressive characteristics the composition is conveying, and (2) how the music’s intent can be effectively communicated to the performers through their musical instruments.
Do conductors need to build a repertoire of gestures and expressions? If so, how can they refine these gestures?
Yes, conductors need to build a repertoire of gestures and expressions to convey music more effectively. They can refine these gestures through practice in front of a mirror, self-assessments, and feedback from colleagues.
Describe the significance of genuine facial expressions and meaningful eye contact for conductors.
Genuine facial expressions and meaningful eye contact serve as primary sources of non-verbal communication for conductors. When used effectively, they can have a direct impact on the interpretation of a message and the performance of music.
the role body language in nonbal communication during conducting.
Body language serves as a major source of energy, emotion, conviction, and confidence for a conductor, allowing them to project nonverbal communication through the extremities and torso.
Do bending or bouncing contribute to a conductor’s presence of confidence and energy?
No, bending or bouncing diminishes the presence of confidence and reduces energy, while also distracting from important gestures or the baton.
Define the impact of feet placement on non-verbal communication during conducting.
Feet placed together may reinforce a martial style, influencing the non-verbal communication projected by the conductor.
How can a conductor use breathing to communicate non-verbally with the ensemble?
Breathing deeply (non-audible) can indicate to the ensemble to take a deep breath, and as the chest rises, it can also indicate that the musicians should play with a full and round sound.
Describe the significance of maintaining an upright posture for a conductor.
Maintaining an upright posture is essential for projecting confidence, energy, and non-verbal communication effectively, while also keeping the focus on important gestures and the baton.
Do conducting gestures communicate a message to the ensemble?
Yes, every move a conductor makes communicates a message to the ensemble.
Define the correct posture and stance for conducting.
The correct posture and stance involve standing straight, with feet approximately shoulder width apart, toes pointed slightly outward, and knees straight but not locked.
How should a conductor’s body appear while conducting?
A conductor’s body should appear both natural and commanding, without appearing overly strained or exhausted.
Describe the impact of effective posture and stance on conductors.
Effective application of posture and stance allows conductors to exhibit confidence and professionalism.
Do conductors need to spend time in score study and practice to ensure clear communication of gestures?
Yes, a conductor who presents a polished technique has spent countless hours in score study and practice to ensure that all gestures clearly communicate intent and are focused on the needs of the ensemble.
Describe the recommended shaft colors for a conductor’s baton.
The recommended shaft colors for a conductor’s baton are white and the natural wood tone.
How should a conductor’s hand be positioned when conducting with or without a baton?
The conductor’s hand should be naturally and slightly cupped, with fingers extended, and not overly bent above or below the wrist.
Define the basic hand position for conducting with a baton.
The basic hand position for conducting with a baton involves turning the palm face down, with the palm of the hand slightly cupped and fingers extended.
What is the significance of using a white shaft baton when wearing a black uniform?
When black is worn, the white shaft is easily seen, making it a suitable choice for conducting.
Do eccentric colors have a place in a conductor’s baton shaft?
No, eccentric colors, such as fluorescent palettes, are not recommended for a conductor’s baton shaft.
Describe the basic hand position for holding baton.
The basic hand involves starting with the hand in a palm-up position, grasping the baton at the junction of the handle and shaft with the thumb and forefinger, curving the remaining fingers inward towards the baton handle, and then turning the palm down towards the floor.
What are the four steps to achieve the proper baton grip?
The four steps are: beginning with the right hand in the basic hand position, grasping the baton at the junction of the handle and shaft with the thumb and forefinger, curving the remaining fingers inward towards the baton handle, and turning the palm down towards the floor to assume good conducting position.
Define the baton grip.
The baton grip involves grasping the baton at the junction of the handle and shaft with the thumb and forefinger, curving the remaining fingers inward towards the baton handle, and turning the palm down towards the floor to assume good conducting position.
How should the baton be held in the palm of the right hand?
It is acceptable if the baton’s handle rests in the palm of the right hand, depending on the shape and length of the baton handle versus the size of the conductor’s hand.
What should be done if the baton’s handle rests in the palm of the right hand?
Ensure that the tip of the baton is in the correct position, as mentioned in Section 5, Chapter 2-5.
Describe an expressive gesture in conducting.
An expressive gesture in conducting involves using various aspects of conducting technique and non-verbal communication devices in a cohesive manner to deliver cues, sustain fermatas, indicate caesuras, establish or indicate changes in tempo, style, and dynamics.
Define contour and ictus in the context of conducting.
Contour and ictus in conducting refer to the shape of the beat pattern and the approach of the ictus point, which greatly affect the interpretation of an expressive gesture.
How does a conductor’s posture and stance impact the execution of an expressive gesture?
A conductor’s posture and stance impact the execution of an expressive gesture by ensuring that their body language effectively communicates the intended message.
Do expressive gestures in conducting involve pointing the baton at specific angles?
Yes, expressive gestures in conducting may involve pointing the baton at an angle somewhere between 10 and 11 o’clock, as outlined in the content.
Describe the role of posture and stance in conducting expressive gestures.
The role of posture and stance in conducting expressive gestures is to ensure that the conductor’s body language effectively communicates the intended message, impacting the execution of the gesture.
Describe the role of facial expressions and eye contact in conducting.
Facial expressions and eye serve as non-verbal communication devices that enhance delivery of expressive gestures. Meaningful eye contact communicates intent, imparts impulse of will, and alerts musicians that a gesture is coming.
What are some examples of how the hands and arms can be used to communicate expressive gestures in conducting?
Examples include using the left arm and hand in a rise and fall motion to indicate dynamic change, turning over the hands to indicate a fermata, and adjusting the intensity of the hands to impact the musical response.
