Conductors: Let them play

Many conductors of amateur & youth organizations, including orchestras, bands, choirs, theatre, churches, & specialty groups, are often promoted to their leadership position by default. Of course, countless ensembles do hold auditions, but for school teachers (for example) conducting is rarely a part of the interview process. As a result, many conductors resort to text books and youtube videos that highlight the rules and regulations of conducting, especially regarding rehearsal 'technique'.

Unfortunately, many of the resources currently available are limited to personal preference and wand waving (using a baton. Or not), and the primary purpose of rehearsing an ensemble is often blind-sided by an innate need to look good on stage - both the ensemble itself as well as the conductor. This article shares one of several perspectives that will help conductors transform their rehearsals into an engaging and fruitful learning experience whilst also preparing for a fine performance: Let them play.

For example, one exasperating essay found online far too easily displays a graphical representation of a rehearsal's content, complete with the percentage of time to spend doing warm-ups, rehearsing familiar works, and sight-reading new pieces. How demoralizing and un-musical can you get?

The first thing to remember when preparing for a rehearsal is that you have a bunch of musicians before you. Perhaps, if young, they may not know their own musical capabilities yet, but they are still people with musical insight. We all have musical insight. As Ben Zander declares: "No-one is tone deaf - otherwise you wouldn't even recognize your own mother or the mood she's in when she telephones." So your performers deserve respect.

They are also the only people who make any noise! How often is THAT forgotten?! It's taken some professional conductors YEARS to realize that their huffing & puffing, grumbling and humming is actually getting in the way of things, not helping. Let those who are making the sounds play them muscially. The musicians in your charge can transform noise into music, so let them.

So what's your role? You provide a focal point. A central command post. Note: command, not dictating. You make sure everyone is at the same spot at the same time so that they can play the downbeat together. They can crescendo together. You can remind your musicians to listen out for a particular voicing, and you make sure they all start and finish together. Obvious, right? Well, common sense often is. But we usually forget common sense when searching for meaning, technique and skill.

One comment often made to new conductors is to 'stop directing all the time'. Let's translate: there's no need for you to 'conduct' and 'beat' every meaning into every note. Let them play. Let your musicians do their job, and be there for them when they need you: tricky passages, tempo changes, etc. Stop peddaling, 'cause you're not on a bicycle anymore. The car's engine does the work and you simple steer.

Which brings me to the last point today: you are entirely at liberty to INFLUENCE the music. That's the 'interpretation' part. Play this note louder, sing that one like this (& demonstrate). Remember, though, that your musicians can also offer interpretation and although it may not be exactly what you were expecting, often it's better! So feel free to steer the music in any direction you like - happy, sad, fast, slow, exciting, yawning - but you are only influencing how other musicians... the ones making the sound... might play it.

This article is one of a series of material taken from my own experiences, lessons, and research that are combined into workshop and coaching programs. Be sure to look out for future articles that also help transform your rehearsals!