MEMORANDUM TO PANULA'S ORCHESTRAL CONDUCTING STUDENTS

February 10, 1987

1) Choice of repertory and contact with the orchestra

-in choosing repertory one must take into account the level and working efficiency

of the orchestra, which depends upon, among others, the following things:

-circumstances of rehearsals and concerts such as space, acoustic, and whether or not it is a concert hall or all-purpose space, etc.

-regular conductor

-intendant

-tours

-take notice of orchestra `divas,' concertinasters, principals, librarian, organizers, intendant and

stage manager.

-make sure that the parts are in good shape in every possible way!

-arriving to the location = orientation

2) Arriving to the rehearsal

-prepare to meet those who try to get out of rehearsals, complainers, flatterers, latecomers

-"morning worship" speech to the orchestra

-clothing, walk, expression, voice, and content of your speech have an influence on the image

the orchestra forms of you.

-tuning

3) In front of the orchestra

-opening words

-work order

-"product description" of the work at hand

4) Beginning

-commentary in words and gesture - posture - wait - hands - wait - speech when needed, ready into motion!

-decide whether you will run the whole section or in parts

-will you conduct like in performance or rehearsal (exaggerated gestures)

-use your ears - eyes, remember what happens both in the playing and reaction.

React with your expression, gesture, words.

5) Stopping

-WHY DO YOU STOP? THERE BEGINS THE REHEARSAL!!

-possible praise and criticism

-to what extent do you listen to concert master, principals, and players' comments?

6) Rehearsal method

-broad or precise approach?

-by section, stand, or individual? Do you demand alertness from others?

-missing instruments = your ability to arrange

7) Coffee break

-time it in a suitable moment

-decide whether you use the break for rest, work, contacts (see #1) or talk rubbish

-the orchestra's fatigue/concentration depends upon your efficiency!

8) After the rehearsal

-decide how you will use the next rehearsal

-agree on rehearsal times and other details with possible soloist or choir

-be ready for surprises: change of program, change of soloist, change of rehearsal

times, etc.

-how do you use your spare time?

9) Dress rehearsal and before concert

-do you want audience at the dress or how do prepare if it is already sold?

-review the dress in your mind afterwards, figure out possible confusion in advance

(unclear transitions, rhythm, intonation problems, other technical problems) but

concentrate only on the message of the composer

- REST: NO EXTRA WORK. NOISE. ALCOHOL. ETC.!!

Are you considerably nervous before a concert?

WHY?? There's the whole problem!

Are you unsure - Why?

Don't try to be more than you are, it shows

Breathing - yoga - relaxation

So......