The job of a conductor

A CONDUCTOR of an orchestra has the primary responsibility of preparing the musical ensemble for public presentations. This requires the interpretation of musical works and real-time communication of those interpretations to musicians via arm gestures. To learn more, read this article from wisegeek.com.

Generally speaking, it is expected that the conductor will learn an entire score rather than its individual parts. He or she will generally be required to carry out a number of significant business duties, as well, which can drastically affect whether the orchestra will do well.

The most important thing a conductor of an orchestra does is lead symphony members through rehearsals and performances. He or she accomplishes this in part by standing on a podium in front of the musicians while executing a series of specific arm movements. The musicians interpret these movements, gaining information such as how fast or loud to play. A conductor learns standard conducting patterns as part of his or her education, but each develops his or her own style or approach over time.

The way orchestras read and translate variances in conducting styles are one reason why the same work can sound vastly different under different conductors. Another reason is that an orchestra conductor also faces the challenge of interpreting the artistic nature of the score. If he sees the term “ritard” in the score, for instance, he knows to slow down, but exactly how much is up to his judgment. This personal interpretation of the score, in conjunction with the person’s individual conducting style, contributes to the overall “voice” of the orchestra.

All musicians in an orchestra must be proficient with their individual parts, but a conductor of an orchestra has to learn entire scores because he or she functions as a musical traffic director, cuing musicians so they enter or leave the musical highway at the right time. To become familiar with a given score, a conductor generally studies it visually, paying attention to theoretical considerations, such as instrumental transposition and harmonic progression. He or she usually makes personal notes in the score as study and rehearsal progress.

A conductor of an orchestra often works also as a creative and business decision maker for the ensemble. He or she might be involved in a range of non-performance tasks like choosing repertoire, providing media quotes, promoting orchestra events, guest lecturing, resolving conflicts, lining up guest performers, auditioning or recruiting new professional musicians, and participating in contract negotiations. The decisions the conductor makes on the orchestra’s behalf greatly influence how the public perceives the orchestra and how successful it becomes, so he or she essentially is the public face of the ensemble.