The role of the conductor is communication. In this video, we get an overview of the baton, left hand gestures, and body language and their use in cueing entrances, giving cutoffs, providing stylistic direction, and maintaining balance. Basic conducting patterns begin with a downbeat and take shape based on the strong and weak beat patterns in the music. Instructor Anne McKennon models examples in 2 (Bizet), 3 (Berlin), 4 (Tchaikovsky), and 5 (Holst). Put it all together with a clip from Civic's performance of Mars (The Planets) by Gustav Holst performed in 2020.

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Watch full performances here:

Bizet: Carmen - Prelude

• Selections from C...

Berlin: Always

• Tribute to Irving...

Tchaikovsky: March/Nutcracker

• Tchaikovsky - Mar...

Holst: Mars/The Planets

• HOLST - THE PLANE...

Learn what the conductor does behind the scenes here:

• Behind the Scenes...