SBO+: I get asked to present quite a few conducting workshops, especially for busy music educators who may not have the time or money to attend the many summer symposia that are out there. From time to time, I will share some of the things I often include in those workshops.
Your Body is Your Instrument
Personal Fitness – great conductors are athletes!
Warm-up and Stretching – you need to warm-up too
Wear and Tear on the Hands and Wrist – use a thicker baton to reduce strain on the wrist. Warm up your wrists, relax your fingers.
Know What You Look Like (especially from behind)
Your body
Your face
Your attire – no panty lines!
Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses. Work on the
Weaknesses and Accentuate the Strengths
Your Stance
Feet shoulder width apart
Don’t move your feet without a good reason
Stand up straight, shoulders back, chest open
Don’t bend knees or at the waist
Get up on your toes for emphasis
What do you look like from the back?
