Conducting Techniques: Starting & Stopping Orchestra

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A symphony conductor is responsible for the sound and performance of his orchestra. Learn how a conductor provides signals and cues to his orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

There are 15 videos in this series:

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1.

Articulation Style of Preparation Beats for Orchestra
Make sure your orchestra is prepared to start playing a piece of music. Learn more about conducting a symphony orchestra in this free series of conductor lessons from an experienced conductor.

Views: 243
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2.

Dynamics of Preparation Beats for Orchestra
Tips for conducting loud and soft orchestra entrances.Learn more about conducting a symphony orchestra in this free series of conductor lessons from an experienced conductor.

Views: 227
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3.

Orchestra Preparation Beat on Four Count
Conduct your orchestra to come in on fourth beat of four-count measure. Learn more about conducting a symphony orchestra in this free series of conductor lessons from an experienced conductor.

Views: 165
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4.

Orchestra Preparation Beat on One Count
Conduct your orchestra to come in on first beat of four-count measure. Learn more about conducting a symphony orchestra in this free series of conductor lessons from an experienced conductor.

Views: 220
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5.

Orchestra Preparation Beat on Three Count
Conduct your orchestra to come in on third beat of four-count measure. Learn more about conducting a symphony orchestra in this free series of conductor lessons from an experienced conductor.

Views: 191
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6.

Orchestra Preparation Beat on Two Count
Conduct your orchestra to come in on second beat of four-count measure. Learn more about conducting a symphony orchestra in this free series of conductor lessons from an experienced conductor.

Views: 198
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7.

Rehearsing Orchestra Preparation Beat
Practice tips for conducting an orchestra. Learn more about conducting a symphony orchestra in this free series of conductor lessons from an experienced conductor.

Views: 198
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8.

Stopping Orchestra By Closing Palm
Conductors can use palms to signal the end of a passage of music. Learn more about conducting a symphony orchestra in this free series of conductor lessons from an experienced conductor.

Views: 205
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9.

Stopping Orchestra With Circle Cut Off
Conduct your orchestra to come to a stop. Learn more about conducting a symphony orchestra in this free series of conductor lessons from an experienced conductor.

Views: 199
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10.

Stopping Orchestra With Hand Pinch
Conductors can signal orchestra to stop with a hand-pinch motion. Learn more about conducting a symphony orchestra in this free series of conductor lessons from an experienced conductor.

Views: 191
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11.

Stopping Orchestra With Long Upbeat
Cut off orchestra with a vertical hand motion. Learn more about conducting a symphony orchestra in this free series of conductor lessons from an experienced conductor.

Views: 190
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12.

Stopping Orchestra With Quick Flick
Signal the end of a passage of orchestral music with a quick flick. Learn more about conducting a symphony orchestra in this free series of conductor lessons from an experienced conductor.

Views: 185
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13.

Tempo of Preparation Beats for Orchestra
Make sure the orchestra comes in at the right time. Learn more about conducting a symphony orchestra in this free series of conductor lessons from an experienced conductor.

Views: 208
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14.

Tips for Establishing Preparation Beats for Orchestra
Use one beat instead of a full measure to signal the orchestra entry. Learn more about conducting a symphony orchestra in this free series of conductor lessons from an experienced conductor.

Views: 192
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15.

What Are Preparation Beats for Orchestras?
These are beats or counts which tell an ensemble when to start playing a piece of music. Learn more about conducting a symphony orchestra in this free series of conductor lessons from an experienced conductor.

Views: 216
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Views: 3,007 Videos in Series: 15

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. Watch this series if you are planning on becoming a conductor, or if you would just like to know more of what goes on at the podium the next time you attend a classical music performance.

In this free series on conducting a symphony, our experienced composer demonstrates how to start and stop an orchestra with a composer's baton or just your hand. Brandon discusses preparation beats, which cue musicians to come in at a certain beat of a measure. Perhaps even more important than starting on cue is stopping on cue. You will learn several techniques for bringing your musicians to a unified stop.

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.