Basic Conducting Skills A Guide for Student Directors

Basic Conducting Skills: A Guide for Student Directors By: Mr. Brendan Daugherty

Interest in Conducting An Ensemble • Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you were the teacher? • What do you know about conducting patterns, cues, and cut offs?

Basic Conducting Patterns and Time Signatures • Two Pattern • Time Signatures that use this pattern most often: 2/4, 6/8 • Other Time Signatures that can use this pattern upon certain circumstances: 4/4

Basic Conducting Patterns and Time Signatures • Three Pattern • Time Signatures that use this pattern most often: 3/4, 9/8

Basic Conducting Patterns and Time Signatures • Four Pattern • Time Signatures that use this pattern most often: 4/4, 12/8

Cues • Cues are important when sections come in at separate times throughout a piece • Dynamic cues and accents are also important • Using your left hand to instruct cues while conducting with your right is the most affective way for the ensemble to know what you want.

Cut-Offs -Cut offs after a section of music, a certain part is done with its phrase, or simply at the end of the piece are all important to make the piece run smoothly -Using your left hand for cut-offs is helpful and easier to see for the entire group -Some require an abrupt stop and otherwise require a light wave of the hand or closing of the fingers

You just learned how to direct an ensemble. • Now you have the basic skills to be a conductor of your choral or band ensemble here at school. • How many of you would be willing to give this a try now that you know?