Preparation for Conducting an Orchestra

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The conductor is responsible for the sound and performance of his orchestra. Learn how a symphony orchestra conductor prepares for a performance in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

There are 13 videos in this series:
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  • 1.
    Conductor Tips for Tuning Beginning Orchestra

    Approach each orchestra member individually to make sure they are in tune. Learn how to get your orchestra ready for a performance in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 219
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  • 2.
    Conductor Tips for Tuning String Orchestra

    Orchestra tunes to A string of first violinist. Learn more about orchestra preparations in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 216
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  • 3.
    Conductor Tips for Tuning Symphony Orchestra

    Oboist plays an A note for orchestra members to tune. Learn more about orchestra preparations in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 208
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  • 4.
    Customary Greeting for Orchestra Conductor

    Conductor shakes the hand of first violinist and soloist on their way to the podium. Learn about traditions for an orchestra conductor in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 205
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  • 5.
    Final Bow for Orchestra Conductor

    Do not applause until symphony instruments are lowered. Learn more about how to be an orchestra conductor in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 200
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  • 6.
    Hand or Baton to Conduct Orchestra?

    Choral conductors use their hands, instrumental conductors use a baton. Learnan orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 216
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  • 7.
    How Conductor Tunes an Orchestra

    Orchestra always tunes to note of A at 440 hertz. Learn about preparations of an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 192
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  • 8.
    How to Hold Conducting Baton

    The conducting baton is an extension of your arm. Learn tips for holding a conducting baton to conduct an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 222
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  • 9.
    Materials for Conducting Orchestra

    Get ready to conduct a symphony with the musical score, a baton, a pencil and a tuner. Learn about what you need to conduct an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 200
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  • 10.
    Music Stand for Conducting Orchestra

    Conductors should adjust music stand to waist level. Learn how to set up a music stand in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 196
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  • 11.
    Podium Positions for Conducting Orchestra

    As the conductor approaches the podium, the orchestra gets ready. Learn how a conductor's stance signals the orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 202
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  • 12.
    Proper Attire for Orchestra Conductor

    Concert Black tuxedo with tails. Learn what is appropriate attire for the conductor and members of an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 210
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  • 13.
    Skills for Conducting Orchestra

    Conductors shold know how to read all of the parts of a classical music score, and recognize pitch and rhythm inaccuracies. Learn about these and other skills required for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 201
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Views: 2,679 Videos in Series: 13

Tags: classical, ballet, orchestra, symphony, conducting, conductor, opera

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Summary: Conducting an orchestra can be a daunting task, be it a string ensemble or an entire symphony. The job requires an extensive knowledge of music scoring as well as a natural gift to distinguish proper pitch and tone. And beyond the music basics, a conductor has to be an entertainer, involving their musicians as well as their audience in the piece they are conducting. The conductor is the focus of attention for the entire performance venue, so they must follow the proper etiquette and established rules and at the same time keep the crowd entertained and involved.

In this free series on conducting a classical orchestra, our experienced conductor will tell you what you need to become a conductor. Start with a thorough knowledge of classical music and become familiar with the score you will be conducting. Then follow Brandon's basic tips for using the conducting baton and adjusting the music stand. Afraid that you might make a faux pas in the sophisticated world of classical music? Not to worry! Brandon discusses everything from what to wear to how to take your bow at the end of a performance. The series also includes tips on how to tune

About the Expert

Expert: Brandon Archer has obtained a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Wheaton Conservatory of Music. He has more than five years of teaching experience conducting bands and orchestras. Brandon is also an accomplished double bars player and was first chair with the Wheaton College symphony orchestra.

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