The Rehearsal Observation will be written in two parts:

1. A moment to moment rehearsal “log,” specifically keeping track of the

events of the rehearsal. (Start of the rehearsal, warm-‐up, teaching,

rehearsing, close of rehearsal)

2. An essay summarizing the observed conducting techniques as they

relate to what we are learning in class.

Guideline Questions for the Essay

Conducting Style

1. Discuss the conductor’s posture. Describe how this posture affected the

conductor’s appearance, conducting style, and sound of the ensemble.

Consider the full stance – position of the feet, knees, upper torso,

shoulders, arm, elbows, wrists, hand position, and baton grip.

2. Discuss the conductor’s technique in terms of the following items:

a. Preparatory Gestures

b. Clarity of Patterns

c. Stylization of Patterns

d. Clarity of Releases

e. Use of the Baton

3. Watch for effective eye contact, facial expression, and body language.

Listen for problematic spots such as tempo changes, fermati, or difficult

technical passages and watch how the conductor achieves the desired

results.

Ensemble

1. Did the ensemble respond in an appropriate manner to the conductor’s

gestures? Were inconsistencies in the ensemble a result of the conductor

or the performers?

2. Discuss the ensemble’s performance – tone, rhythmic accuracy, pitch,

intonation, expression, balance, etc. What could have been improved?

These questions are just a minimum guide. Be observant!

Documentation

• Include the name of ensemble, conductor, day/time of rehearsal, length of

rehearsal, and repertoire. Length of rehearsal must be at least one hour.

• The concert review should be in essay form, 2 – 3 pages typed (double-‐spaced).

Use a Times/Times-‐Roman 12-point font.

• Be neat and professional. PROOFREAD!!! Any papers that have not been

proofread and/or contain spelling and grammatical errors may be assigned to

re-do.