Rebound and Experimentation

Yesterday in choir I conducted the first movement of the Rutter Gloria. I had the advantage of teaching it in undergrad conducting yesterday morning. So I was very aware that I had to practice what I preached. The problem is, I am not exactly sure how I want to conduct this. I will have lessons on it (Tuesday is my first lesson on it). But the tempo is quick (60 equals a dotted half note). And I like that tempo. I start by conducting it in three, but quickly change to a super metric 1 pattern. My teacher has a saying: "Don't do in more when you can do in less."

But the problem is I can't stay in 1. Even if I wanted to keep the tempo completely rigid the entire time, my teacher wants me to relax the tempo at a certain section. So to have more control over the tempo, I will switch back to three... And then of course, back to 1 later when we are back at the bright, "leggerio" tempo. So having made some decisions, I went into choir yesterday. We have read it through 3 or 4 times now, although we have not spent a lot of time on it. Last time they sang it, I pushed the tempo. They drag terribly. They learned it at a slower tempo and want to keep it there. So I set the new tempo- or rather, the right tempo.

And for the first time ever, I switched my gesture mid conducting to help the choir. I didn't tell them or even think much of it. There were times I had to switch back to three to keep them on top of the tempo. So as much as it was frustrating, it was also exciting that I am starting to make changes in my gesture to help. My conducting is becoming a tool for effective rehearsal. And that is why I am in grad school! Well, and to get a degree so I can get a job I want.

I also received a message from an undergraduate who said watching me gave them some new ideas to try.

I went into the rehearsal with a gesture I wanted to try. When the choir needed help, I experimented with my gesture.

I also know that I did some things poorly yesterday. I had practiced it, and so I was frustrated that it did not work in rehearsal. But it also reinforced how important the rebound is. A conductor can begin accelerandos or ritardanos by the rebound. It can also cause your choir to rush or slow down if your rebound is steady or does not have a height that makes sense to the tempo. That is what I am most aware of now.