Section 5 (conducting) - Basic Patterns Flashcards
conductors convey intent through?
non verbal communication.
what are two forms of non verbal communication
gestures and beat patterns
what are the beat patterns parts
preparatory gesture, ictus, rebound, and travel
what does the preparatory gesture convey?
tempo, style (articulation), dynamics, and exact beginning of the first note.
which hands do a prep gesture
typically both and they mirror each other
what is the first step of the prep?
establishing a good stance and meaningful eye contact with musicians to ensure they are ready
whats the second part of the prep and why do it?
inhale slightly and raise right hand.
the inhale is to match the ensemble and keep from rushing
what is the third part of the prep?
bringing the hand down to the starting position and exhale.
what is an ictus
the specific beat points in a conducting pattern.
what does an ictus do
shows exactly where sound begins and the metric pulse
what is preparatory ictus?
ictus in the prep gesture where the movement changes at the top and begins the downward motion
what is the first ictus
the downbeat
what is the rebound?
when the conductor comes to an ictus point and moves away.
what is the travel?
the moving between ictus points
when else does the travel occur
in the prep gesture
how do you practice beat patterns?
in front of mirrors slowly, gradually speeding up
what are expressive gestures
they communicate the mood
how are expressive gestures reflected
hands and body
what else shows the mood
size speed and contour of prep gesture and conducting patterns
what does the size of the prep gesture show
small quiet
large loud
what indicates tempo
the speed of the prep and travel shows slow or fast
what shows staccato style
angular rebound
shorter travel
and a flick of the wrist on the rebound
what does the flicking feel like
like flicking a drop of water from the end of the baton or hand
what makes for a heavier staccato style
the whole arm
what is legato style identified by
smooth and round beat patterns
where is the ictus point located in legato style
at the extremities of the pattern closer to the center
how do entrances on 2 3 and 4 work
good eye contact and begin the prep in the opposite direction of the ictus
what do cues show
tempo style dynamics and exact moment of sound
who can get cues
individuals, sections, or the whole ensemble
what gives cues
hand hands and/or head
four basic situations for cues
- solos and section entrances
- entrances that follow long rests
- at the beginning of an important musical event
- difficult entrances where performers would need assistance
are all cues possible to show
no
which cue do you give if there are multiple
choose
what does the conductor do doing complex cue situations
communicate to the ensemble the plan
procedure for cues
- eye contact before prep
- prep that communicates style tempo and dynamics
- ensure your posture stance and face compliments the intended outcome
- ensure cues are meaningful positive confident and encouraging
- follow through maintain eye contact before during and after
a. make an attempt to give feedback - if the cue is on beat prep on the beat prior (slow tempos and)
- if the cue is off the beat think um pah. um is cue pah is the entrance
Where are right hand cues given
In the center or right side
Where are left handed cues given
Center left of center
What should you avoid when cueing
Hand crossing
What does the right hand do during left hand cues
Conduct
What comes with a cue?
A nod of the head
What does fermata mean
Unmeasured pause or hold
What do you do to execute a fermata
- Stop conducting the pattern
- Turn palms up in a holding manner
- Continues a sideways outward motion until next prep
What do you do when ex
C
Where should the palms be when the fermata expresses silenence
Down
How do you do a circular release?
The conductor will complete a full circle with the hands.
What is an ictus release
Stop the beat pattern at the desired ictus point.
A slight rebound is appropriste as a follow through
When do you use an ictus rebound
End of composition or momentary pause in time
