The Conductor's Gestures

Choral Excellence
Thomas Bookhout, DMA

WHAT IS THAT GUY DOING UP THERE?
A guide to the conductor’s gestures

The conductor uses his hands, arms, body, head and face to keep the performers together and to encourage them to give the very best performance possible.

Preparation. To show the musicians what the music is going to sound like before they perform it. With gesture, the conductor indicates the tempo, volume, articulation and exact starting time of the next beat. He also shows you who performs the beat (cues). When he does this to start the piece, it usually includes a model of the breath you should take.

Tempo. Through the speed of the gesture.

Volume. Through the size of the gesture.

Articulation. Through the angle and "weight" of the gesture.

Starting Moment. Through a breath and the predictable speed of the gesture.

Cue. By looking at the performers involved. Note that the conductor does not have to be looking at you when you begin singing a note, as long as he prepared you to come in.

Contrast. The conductor shows the musicians how the next note, measure, or phrase is different from the last.

Style. The conductor is a physical representation of what the music sounds like and feels like to the audience.

Pulse. Using established beat patterns the conductor shows the pulse and what beat you are on in the measure.

Clarity & Economy. The conductor should communicate only what he intends to communicate and only what you need. No more, no less.

Listening. The conductor is your ears. The conductor is the only one who can hear what the group sounds like. The conductor is charged with making adjustments as needed to perfect the performance.

Most common beat patterns (as seen by you, viewing the director)

Four beats Three beats Two beats

Some conductors use their hands, while others use a baton. What’s up with that? Basically, a baton makes the gestures easier to see. It is usually required when the ensemble is large or exacting clarity is needed. Instrumental conductors almost always use a baton. Hand gestures are great for choral singing when the ensemble is small to medium sized, and the music is more intimate.