Basic Conducting Posture
Common Positions Used in Conducting

When conducting, always remember to ...

1) keep the wrist flat to the floor to allow for maximum flexibility

2) keep the right elbow slightly elevated and a comfortable distance from the body to minimize tension and maximize mobility

3) stand with the left foot [one foot] slightly forward to allow for optimum movement and control of the upper body

4) keep your head and chin erect and minimize unwanted sway in the upper body

5) when using a baton, hold it lightly between the thumb and first finger with the thumb crooked out, not in

  DO NOT CLUTCH THE BATON

6) when using the left hand, remember it must never take precedence over the right. When not using the left hand, keep it on your stomach

7) on the preparatory beat, remember to take a breath and have your eyes on the ensemble - the preparatory beat should indicate ...

a. tempo
b. style
c. dynamics
d. the breath
e. visual communication and invitation to play

8) a person must ALWAYS be cognizant of the primary beats in the music - no matter the meter - as this greatly affects our music-making