[Menvi-discuss] following a conductor

[Jordie Howell]

Hello,

Another point I would add for singers, in addition to tapping on the hand which can be of great importance with a sustained piece where the beat is not always evident, is that you might want to avoid singing a hard consonant at the end of a phrase if you aren’t entirely sure of the exact moment to cut off.  Some conductors are also quite audible when indicating entries with a soft introductory count-in, an inhalation or even sniff so that coming in on time is made much easier when you can’t see the beat.  I think a dialogue with the conductor is always the safest option though.

Good luck,

Jordie
On 27 Jan 2014, at 11:51 am, Kaiti Shelton <crazy4clarinet104 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi,
> 
> In any ensemble, you just have to be able to adapt to a conductor.  I
> dealt with this issue with the added problem of my neighbors having
> their hands full with their instruments in band.  Recording a
> rehearsal to get the sense of how a conductor directs the pieces is a
> good idea, and you can practice along with the recording.  If the
> conductor is not consistent, just make sure that when in doubt you cut
> off.  Even if people end up singing a while after you do, it will just
> avoid the issue of you being the one person to hang over.
> 
> As for tapping on the hand, I really don't think that is as big of an
> issue as the conductor thinks it is.  People in the audience won't
> think anything of it, but if he's that concerned why not have the
> person behind you do it?  That way their hand movements aren't as
> easily seen.  They could just tap you on the back or something, and
> get the same sort of task accomplished as a hand signal would.
> 
> On 1/26/14, SClark6144 at aol.com <SClark6144 at aol.com> wrote:
>> Is the director consistent, or does he direct the piece  differently every
>> time?  If he does it the same every time, you're  OK.
>> 
>> Record a rehearsal, and you will know when the cutoffs   and tempo changes
>> will happen.
>> 
>> Unless all the choir members have their music memorized, they  are not
>> always watching him.  I've watched choirs sing, and trust me, they  aren't
>> watching the conductor all the time.
>> 
>> As a harpist, I practice with a recording, and I can safely  say I could
>> play without the conductor in the room.
>> Syl
>> 
>> 
>> In a message dated 1/26/2014 5:23:26 P.M. US Eastern Standard Time,
>> piano.girl0299 at gmail.com writes:
>> 
>> Hello,
>> I am in a community choir and our next season starts in a  week.
>> I use Braille music, but the director does not always direct  the
>> score as written and the choir members are expected to be
>> watching  him at all times.  I am totally blind, so I don't get
>> that nonverbal  feedback from the conductor.  I have been in
>> communication with my  voice teacher about this issue and she
>> suggested that I have my neighbor  tap me on the shoulder for
>> tempo changes or to indicate a cut-off.   However, she emailed my
>> director and he is not open to anyone doing this  saying that it
>> would not be discrete.  My neighbor agrees with the  director and
>> thinks that everyone will see what she is doing.  Does  anyone
>> have any suggestions on how to handle this? I plan to bring this
>> up at my lesson on Wednesday.
>> Thanks,
>> 
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> 
> 
> -- 
> Kaiti
> 
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