Conducting

 and  Score  Reading  C-­‐326  

Rehearsal  Observation  I  
 
The  Rehearsal  Observation  will  be  written  in  two  parts:  
1.       A  moment  to  moment  rehearsal  “log,”  specifically  keeping  track  of  the  
events  of  the  rehearsal.  (Start  of  the  rehearsal,  warm-­‐up,  teaching,  
rehearsing,  close  of  rehearsal)  
2.   An  essay  summarizing  the  observed  conducting  techniques  as  they  
relate  to  what  we  are  learning  in  class.  
 
Guideline  Questions  for  the  Essay  
 
Conducting  Style  
1. Discuss  the  conductor’s  posture.  Describe  how  this  posture  affected  the  
conductor’s  appearance,  conducting  style,  and  sound  of  the  ensemble.  
Consider  the  full  stance  –  position  of  the  feet,  knees,  upper  torso,  
shoulders,  arm,  elbows,  wrists,  hand  position,  and  baton  grip.  
2. Discuss  the  conductor’s  technique  in  terms  of  the  following  items:  
a. Preparatory  Gestures  
b. Clarity  of  Patterns  
c. Stylization  of  Patterns  
d. Clarity  of  Releases  
e. Use  of  the  Baton  
3. Watch  for  effective  eye  contact,  facial  expression,  and  body  language.  
Listen  for  problematic  spots  such  as  tempo  changes,  fermati,  or  difficult  
technical  passages  and  watch  how  the  conductor  achieves  the  desired  
results.  
 
Ensemble  
1. Did  the  ensemble  respond  in  an  appropriate  manner  to  the  conductor’s  
gestures?  Were  inconsistencies  in  the  ensemble  a  result  of  the  conductor  
or  the  performers?  
2. Discuss  the  ensemble’s  performance  –  tone,  rhythmic  accuracy,  pitch,  
intonation,  expression,  balance,  etc.  What  could  have  been  improved?  
 
These  questions  are  just  a  minimum  guide.  Be  observant!  
 
Documentation  
• Include  the  name  of  ensemble,  conductor,  day/time  of  rehearsal,  length  of  
rehearsal,  and  repertoire.  Length  of  rehearsal  must  be  at  least  one  hour.    
• The  concert  review  should  be  in  essay  form,  2  –  3  pages  typed  (double-­‐spaced).  
Use  a  Times/Times-­‐Roman  12  point  font.    
• Be  neat  and  professional.  PROOFREAD!!!  Any  papers  that  have  not  been  
proofread  and/or  contain  spelling  and  grammatical  errors  may  be  assigned  to  
re-­‐do.  
  
 
Ensemble  Rehearsal  Schedules  
 
 
Band  
Symphonic  Wind  Ensemble  MWF   2:10  –  4:10   Pick  stage  or  rehearsal  room  
Symphonic  Band     T  TH   2:10  –  4:10   Pick  stage  or  rehearsal  room  
Concert  Band       MW   4:20  –  6:00   Regenstein  011  
 
Orchestra  
Symphonic  Orchestra   MWF   2:10  –  4:10   Pick  stage  or  rehearsal  room  
Chamber  Orchestra     T  TH   2:10  –  4:10   Pick  stage  or  rehearsal  room  
Philharmonia       MW   4:30  –  6:00   Pick  rehearsal  room  
 
Choir  
University  Chorale     MWF   12:30  –  1:50   McClintock  
B.C.E         MWF   5:00  –  6:20   McClintock  
University  Singers     MWF   3:30  –  4:50   McClintock  
Chapel  Choir       T  TH   4:00  –  5:30   Parkes  34  
 
Contemporary  Music  
CME         MWF   9:00  –  10:50   Pick  stage