Beyond Conducting: A Basic Conducting and Rehearsal Techniques Refresher Florida Music Educator’s Association 2016 Professional Development Conference Tampa Convention Center – Room 5 Tampa, Florida Friday, January 15, 2016 11:45 A.M. – 12:45 P.M. Douglas L. Phillips, D.M.A. Director of Bands Assistant Professor of Music, Conducting Stetson University School of Music
[email protected] 386-822-8951 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ As we all know, there is much more to being a successful ensemble director/conductor/ teacher than just “conducting.” We must have a thorough knowledge of the music and the appropriate skills to needed convey the music to our students. Just as when we play our instrument, we are the composer’s advocate. The only difference is that we are communicating these ideas to an ensemble, which is ultimately is “our instrument” too. Most students join band or orchestra because they are excited about playing an instrument… not just to hear us talk. The more successful we are at engaging our students both verbally and non-verbally, the more students get to play their instruments and have additional opportunities for both guided and self discovery. As Dr. Madsen says in his book Contemporary Music Education, it is not a question of IF with regard to student independence, but WHEN. This concept should of course be a cornerstone in our ensemble and music programs at all times. Ultimately, it is our responsibility to do whatever it takes to educate our students about the joy of discovery during rehearsal and performance. However, utilizing our skills as accomplished conductors and musicians can only make the process easier and ultimately more enjoyable for our students and for us.