[MusicTlk] Choir Conducting

[kelby carlson]

This is very helpful. How do you go about getting sheet music? Some of the pieces I'd want to do are not as well-known and so not likely to be available through NLS.

> On Apr 7, 2022, at 5:12 PM, Sandra Gayer via MusicTlk <musictlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello,
> I only conducted a large choir once; for experience. I conducted small
> vocal groups, more ensemble or chamber group work. I use Braille Music
> so relied heavily on that. It isn't necessary to memorise everyone's
> parts but you would do well to know them all comfortably enough not to
> have to need to read every note, so you can hear all the interweaving
> of lines, knowing if someone is off or not. If you know a sighted
> conductor, talk to them in person and get them to show you, hand over
> hand, the gestures. This is how I learned it although the person who
> taught me was blind as well but had been sighted previously. I used to
> write a decent amount of music for singers and players. It's easy to
> know the ins and outs when you've written them yourself. Conductors
> talk a lot during rehearsals anyway, to explain the sound they want.
> Gesture is a small yet crucial part of the job. Inspiring people to do
> what needs doing is the key to becoming a successful conductor. That
> and good administrative skills for getting everyone print copies of
> the music, booking rehearsal spaces, ensuring performance
> opportunities for your musicians.
> 
> Good luck!
> Very best wishes,
> Sandra.
> 
>> On 4/7/22, kelby carlson via MusicTlk <musictlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> I may have the opportunity to begin conducting a choir in the somewhat near
>> future. I took a choral conducting class many years ago, but will confess to
>> have forgotten 99% of it, including the gestures—a real shame since the
>> professor went to some effort to make sure I got a lot out of the class.
>> 
>> I would like to know if anyone here has conducted a choir in any capacity.
>> If so, what were your strategies? How did you obtain sheet music and use it
>> effectively (e.g. did you end up needing to memorize everybody's parts?) Any
>> help with this is very much appreciated.
>> _______________________________________________
>> MusicTlk mailing list
>> MusicTlk at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/musictlk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> MusicTlk:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/musictlk_nfbnet.org/sandragayer7%40gmail.com
>> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Sandra Gayer DipABRSM, LRSM.
> 
> Soprano Singer
> www.sandragayer.com
> 
> Broadcast Presenter
> www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk/music-box.html
> 
> Actor
> www.visablepeople.com
> 
> Voiceover Artist
> www.archangelvoices.co.uk/content/sandra-gayer
> 
> _______________________________________________
> MusicTlk mailing list
> MusicTlk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/musictlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for MusicTlk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/musictlk_nfbnet.org/kelbycarlson%40gmail.com