1. Elgaisma

    Elgaisma Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2010
    Messages:
    5,319
    Likes Received:
    97

    descriptions of conducting an orchestra

    Discussion in 'Research' started by Elgaisma, Aug 16, 2010.

    I would love to start my book with my character conducting the school orchestra. Trouble I have 0 experience. lack of coordination and tone deafness mean it was never something I accomplished.

    Are there any good written descriptions in literature or elsewhere of conducting an orchestra?
     
  2. minstrel

    minstrel Leader of the Insquirrelgency Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2010
    Messages:
    10,742
    Likes Received:
    9,991
    Location:
    Near Sedro Woolley, Washington
    I'm sure there are videos on Youtube and elsewhere. Watch them and write your own descriptions - show us all how it's done!
     
  3. Elgaisma

    Elgaisma Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2010
    Messages:
    5,319
    Likes Received:
    97
    LOL this is where my dyspraxia is limiting me:) I can't understand the movements easily and I can't co-ordinate the movement with the music, its not working:) I may with practice be able to do it, but would be nice to read how someone else has tackled it, however in all my reading I never remember a conductor of an orchestra:)

    Once I have seen some written words then I can use that to work out what is happening. But am finding the basic instructions just confusing.
     
  4. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    i think it would be pretty boring to have to read a detailed description of how a conductor moves the baton... i'd stick to only giving an idea of how the music moves the conductor, instead of getting into minutiae of movement...

    for written descriptions why don't you do an advanced amazon books search for 'orchestra conductor'?
     
  5. Elgaisma

    Elgaisma Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2010
    Messages:
    5,319
    Likes Received:
    97
    I'm not looking for detailed just interesting a poem would do. Its just to see how its been tackled. Looks like its something that hasn't been tackled very often lol I may just have to get my husband to help me.
     
  6. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    Can you speak with a band teacher at your local high school? It may not be exactly like conducting an orchestra, but leading a large band has many of the same challenges. Who knows, your band leader may even know a thing or two about a conductor's work, or may even know a conductor you could speak with.
     
  7. Elgaisma

    Elgaisma Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2010
    Messages:
    5,319
    Likes Received:
    97
    Thats a good idea lol our schools are a bit dire for music but I do know a brass band leader, I found a description finally after an hour at the library, its in a local book, I am guessing there is a reason noone else has tackled it lol and my husband is helping me:) (he is a jazz trumpet player - he was getting fed up with my writing but this new scene has transformed him). Have decided to describe the lights and stage set more which is where I am more familiar.

    I still want to include it but reducing it to a few paragraphs I think will be enough. I like the idea that the character that learns to conduct the universal powers better than anyone who has gone before him starts with a school ensemble lol

    My Grandpa would be turning in his grave lol he was pianist and by all accounts talented. He's got the world's most tone deaf granddaughter.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice