WEEK 2

Welcome to WEEK 2.  This week's activities include:

SCORE STUDY ACTIVITIES:

• learn about the composer 

CONDUCTING PRACTICE:

• learn and practice conducting in 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 patterns
• learn and practice conducting in "hook" and "arc" patterns
• learn and practice conducting in different styles/articulations
• legato - smooth and connected
• staccato - short and separated

              **There is a wide spectrum of articulations.  This week, we will work on the basic conducting styles of a smooth/connected approach vs. a short/separated approach.



About the composer:
An important aspect of studying the musical score is learning about the composer.  Each composer's background shapes the way in which he/she composes music.  Take some time to learn about the composer of your Student Conductor piece.  Valuable information would include:

• biographical (dates, birthplace, etc)
• musical training (Where and with whom did he/she study music?)
• influences (cultural influences, musical influences, etc)
• other pieces written for band/orchestra/choir/chamber group

Write a brief 250 synopsis of what you've learned.  You'll find that understanding more about the composer will help you understand his/her music much better!  


**A Quick Note**

The videos below contain conducting exercises for your practice.  While many of them use a metronome for tempo maintenance, you should practice each exercise with AND without the metronome.   Also, I begin each exercise with a verbal count-off "one-two-ready-and..."  The verbal count-off is ONLY meant to insure that you start each video exercise with me - and should NOT become habit when conducting an ensemble.  Generally speaking, giving one (silent) prep beat (with appropriate style, tempo, dynamic) works very well for beginning any piece of music.
     
Conducting Exercises 
Overview and 2/4 patterns

"Arc" vs. "Hook" style and 3/4 pattern

4/4 Pattern

Conducting Legato and Staccato 

Suggested activities:

1. Share your 250 word composer synopsis with your band director.  
2. Discuss with your band director the possibility of conducting your band through a portion of the daily warm-up.  This will be an ideal opportunity for you to practice the conducting basics that you've worked on up to this point.  ***Be sure to RECORD your conducting for personal reflection. 

Journal Reflection:
Was it easy/difficult to find information on the composer?  How does this information help you with studying the musical score?  How did you feel conducting the band through the warm-up?  Were your gestures clear and appropriate?  What, if anything, could you improve on for the next time?