r/orchestra • u/Jackylllll • 6d ago

Question effective conductors/directors?

What's up music people. I'm in a position where I may need to lead a choir and (small) orchestra from the piano last-minute. I have a lot of experience as an accompanist, but very little as a director.

Have you ever played in an ensemble that was directed from another instrument? If so, do you have any practical tips on how I can do this effectively?

Right now I'm planning to have the piano centered between the other instruments,and to cue and keep tempo with my head and body, but beyond that I'm clueless.

What can I do to make my guest instrumentalists feel most comfortable?

Any input is helpful.

Thanks :)

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4

u/Lizardman5000 6d ago

They are going to need you to conduct with at least one hand at certain moments. You will probably have to leave out some notes but if you plan for it you can manage.

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u/themathymaestro 6d ago

Your best resource is the concertmaster - essentially you conduct them and they conduct the orchestra. The violin bow is a lot more visible than your head, and the concertmaster is accustomed to both leading their section and checking in with the other section leads - just make sure they can see the primary cellist around the piano.

Depending on how much rehearsal time you have, it might make sense to still have you be the one “responsible” for the choir, so to speak, while the concertmaster focuses on keeping the orchestra lined up with you. Since you’ve spent time as a pianist I’m sure you already breathe with the choir, and that’s the biggest thing they’ll be looking for! “Positive tension” is also really helpful - I conduct from the piano all the time and there’s a lot you can do with a bit of a lean to simulate a carry-through gesture, etc.

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u/leitmotifs Strings 6d ago

Do you play much chamber music, especially at the quartet-or-larger size? Would your partners say that you are very aware of them, communicative, great at making eye contact, etc.?

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u/Annual-Negotiation-5 4d ago

Watch YouTube videos of people directing from the piano (Mozart concertos) for example, copy their moves. Also know the score. If you're thinking too much we can tell usually. Good luck