Many conductors of amateur & youth organizations, including orchestras, bands, choirs, theatre, churches, salsa bands, & specialty groups, are often promoted to their leadership position by default. Of course, countless ensembles do hold auditions, but for school teachers (for example) conducting is rarely a part of the interview process. As a result, many conductors resort to text books and youtube videos that highlight the rules and regulations of conducting, especially regarding conducting & rehearsal 'technique'.

Unfortunately, many of the resources currently available are limited to personal preference and wand waving (using a baton. Or not), and the primary purpose of rehearsing an ensemble is often blind-sided by an innate need to look good on stage - both the ensemble itself as well as the conductor. This article shares one of several perspectives that will help conductors transform their rehearsals into an engaging and fruitful learning/ music-making experience whilst also preparing for a fine performance: Humility

One of the biggest mistakes the vast majority of conductors make is that they assume they are the expert. No-one has ever studied this particular piece as much as they have. Everyone is eager to lap up what they have to say about the music. How can anyone doubt the intense months, sometimes years, of focused indulgence in the composer, their life, music catalog, and inspirations. The conductor is the commander-in-chief at that moment in time, so obviously everyone performing is there to listen and hang on their every word and gesture.

Uh oh.

It's vital that conductors, particularly of ensembles that contain musicians older than the conductor, strive to remember that its possible, maybe even PROBABLE, that there are musicians in the ensemble that have performed this piece before. Maybe they've studied it, too: Usually when sitting in the percussion section counting rests, I'd be reading the score - perhaps even following pieces I wasn't playing in! And maybe your musicians have performed this piece without a conductor (woah!). No piece is exempt. You'll be surprised how many teenagers have enlightened me in the bar after a rehearsal with a historical fact, musical analysis, or technical difficulty on a piece I'd conducted (and studied) several times. I thought I knew it all. They [regularly] brought me back to earth. (BTW, youth groups can teach us all a great deal. Never give up working with musicians under 21!)

It's also extremely possible that if you're having a bad day you may not remember a fact, a story, a gesture, a difficult passage to work on. You might also flip out, get angry or in the least become impatient. If you suddenly remember that you lost all your car oil in the parking lot at lunch time due to a leaking filter and you have to get it fixed first thing in the morning, you might misbeat a bar. Or not realize the time signature changed. It happens! Your mind does wander, and when you panic like that (Will there be any oil left in the car at the end of this rehearsal and if not, where do I get oil at this time of night?), it's easy to get distracted by the task at hand. You're human, after all. Don't expect to be perfect ALL the time: strive for it, yes. Aim for the perfect rehearsal every minute, sure. But when you do slip up, remember that it happens. Sometimes. Make a habit of it and that's a problem, but we're not perfect beings and need a great deal of forgiveness for what we do and the way we often do it.

Same with your performers. Not only are they musicians, too, but they're also human... just like you. Maybe they are having a bad day. Maybe their reed or bow is having a bad day! It's possible. In the same way that you expect forgiveness and a little leeway when you're distracted, support your performers when their minds are focused on other things. Plus, if you let them play for a while, they'll soon get back into the right mood. Be kind about it, and they'll forgive you your slipups.

Of course, one classic way to overcome embarrassment of any sort is to laugh at yourself. Not at others, mind you, yourself. If you do make an obvious mistake gently admit it ("Well, for sure I could have done that a little better that time.") and make a joke of it ("I'm just glad I don't cook the same way I conduct!"). Such little snippets release tension, and surprisingly the performers will begin to TRUST you more. You are paying attention. You recognize your own shortcomings. You're on board. You're a musician. And you're human.

Finally, ALWAYS (get that? I mean: ALWAYS) show how excited you are when things work well. Show your enthusiasm. Share your joy. Unrefined. Give everyone a reason for performing. Help them understand and appreciate the sheer pleasure and joy of making music. When a passage transforms from boring to pleasant, be happy and tell everyone ("I love it when it works!") and repeat the passage again, simply to indulge in the communal music-making.

This article is one of a series with material taken from my own experiences, lessons, and research that are combined into workshop and coaching programs. Be sure to look out for future articles that also help transform your rehearsals!