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Conducting ArtistrySeason 2: Better Rehearsals - TrailerAfter a long hiatus I'm back with a new co-host, Tom Grayden. This season we're exploring what players need from conductor and what conductors need to do to prepare for better rehearsals (and performances)! Hit subscribe to get our latest episode dropping each Tuesday. Up your conducting game at Conductingartistry.com with courses, articles & more episodesFollow us on socials @conductingartistry:InstagramFacebook CREDITSHosts: Ingrid Martin & Tom GraydenEditing: Tom GraydenMusic: The Crosswinds EnsembleRecorded at...2023-11-1301 min
Conducting ArtistryS1E7: Engaging Players and Audiences with Thematic ProgrammingBenefits of thematic programmingExplore composers' responses to an idea in depth and breadthDeepen players' and audiences' connection to the musicFocusses marketing efforts and capture new audiencesOpportunities for collaboration and cross-curricular linksOpportunities for creativity and non-musical elements in performanceHow to create a themed programSpecific themes vs. Broad ThemesExample program & extra-musical elementsMake a huge list of related works then cull it downUse techniques discussed in prior episodes to create shape of programDownload the full details of themed programs including program notes, list of works, photos and non-musical elements:The Sound of ArtAn...2019-12-0728 minConducting ArtistryS1E6: Discernment: How to Pick Quality MusicDiscerning quality and appropriateness when selecting music.What does artistic excellence look and sound like?ExpectationsForm, shape & designOrchestration & densityStyleDevelopmentIdiomMusical validityAppeal & interest to players, audience and usBeing the adult in the room - training musical palates rather than panderingDownload the Determining Excellence ChecklistBlog post: Why can't the kids pick their own music? {LINK to blog}Stephen Budiansky's Washington Post article: The kids play great, but that music...How to develop your own discernment and tasteGetting out of the rehearsal roomListening beyond your ensemble/genreListening to great...2019-12-0732 minConducting ArtistryS1E5: Finding New Music: Being A Repertoire Detective4 best sources for quality repertoire and how to use them1. Repertoire listsState lists & festival listsTeaching Music Through Performance Comprehensive List (2019) - Band, Orchestra & ChoirFrank Ticheli's List in the MBM Times MagazinesBest Music for High School Band (book)Best Music for Young Band (book)World Association for Symphonic Bands & EnsemblesTim Reynish (UK Conductor)2. Member-contributed content sitesWindrep.orgBand Directors Facebook Group3. A shortlist of quality publishers (not the usual suspects!)Brolga Music Publishing (Australia)Maecenas Music (UK)Piles Music (Spain)Manhattan Beach Music (USA)Bandquest - American Composer's Forum (USA)Windependence...2019-12-0732 minConducting ArtistryS1E4: The Concert: Creating An Emotional JourneyThe shape, arc and drama of our performance determines the audience's experience.How to structure a concertWhat is the emotional arc of the performance?How do you want the audience to feel?Engaging the audience from (before) the first noteTransfigured Night - Norwegian Chamber Orchestra (YouTube video)Completing The Circle - Considerations for Change in the Performance of Music, Bud Beyer (book)Methods for planning the shape of a concertUsing playlists to plan transitionsCommon pitfalls in concert sequencingDownload the Concert Shapes Inspiration PDF...2019-12-0731 minConducting ArtistryS1E3: Creating Balanced, Contrasting ProgramsA great program, like a memorable meal, has variety and balance.Elements to consider when creating balance and contrastStyleDurationTempoKeyHistorical PeriodFormVolume/DynamicTechnical VarietyEmotional ContentNarrative ContentChef's Table (Netflix)Download the Balanced Program ChecklistStrategies for selecting a balanced programStarting with a key pieceFilling slots by genreAction StepsSelect one key piece you'd like to program. Select two more pieces that balance and contrast with it, using the criteria discussed.Find and listen to two pieces for your ensemble by composers you've never heard beforeShare your...2019-12-0729 minConducting ArtistryS1E2: Make real music faster with appropriate repertoireWhen you select appropriate repertoire, you can make real music in every rehearsal.8 common ensemble problems caused by repertoire choice and how to avoid themLow student engagementLow teacher engagementSlow rehearsal pace/progressUrgent rehearsal paceStudent's can't play the musicIt just sounds bad!Persistent areas of weakness/lack of developmentPoor student retention in ensembles or music programThe 80/20 rule for choosing repertoire at the right level for your groupSelecting achievable repertoire so you can make real music faster.Action StepsLook at your list of repertoire you have planned to program...2019-12-0724 min