Observe the Conductor and watch for the following:
- The beat pattern: 4/4, 3/4, 2/2, etc.
- The downbeat of the beat pattern
- The style of conducting, musical expression vs. simple beat pattern
- Cues to specific instruments for their entrance or cutoff
- Cues for the concertmaster
- Musical expression including crescendo, diminuendo, maestoso, tranquillo, accelerando, ritardando
- Any other non verbal communication
Observe the Orchestra and look for the following:
- Visual focus of players toward the Conductor
- The absence of foot-tapping
- Musical expression of players through the movement of the upper body
- Interaction of stand partners, (page turns, marking of music, general cooperation)
- The bows of all string sections, (Are they moving in the same direction?)
- Let your eyes lose their focus and then look for the musical movement of the entire orchestra
Listen to the conductor
- What types of specific instructions does he give the orchestra?
- What types of analogies does he use to describe how he wants the Orchestra to play? Listen to the Orchestra
- Does the Orchestra sound in tune?
- Is the Orchestra playing on the conductor’s beat or behind the beat?
- Can you hear a difference in the music before and after a specific instruction has been given to the Orchestra?
- Listen for all the different voices and textures of sound in the Orchestra. Does a solo wind player speak over the warm sound of the string section?
- Does the Orchestra sound balanced?
- Do you hear any dialogue (call and response) between instruments?
Think, Imagine, and Remember
THINK about all you are seeing and hearing.
- Can you apply some of what you are seeing and hearing to your own playing?
- Could you watch your conductor more?
- Could you be a more helpful stand partner?
- Is it possible for you to tap your toe inside your shoe rather than outside where everyone can see?
- Do you need to be more expressive when you sing or play?
IMAGINE yourself being in your “dream ensemble”.
It might be a professional orchestra such as the Lancaster Symphony. Or, it might be a concert band, wind ensemble, choral group, jazz band, rock band, or string quartet.
If your dream is to be in an orchestra, IMAGINE yourself tuning as you hear your instrument’s section tuning. IMAGINE yourself watching the conductor as he cues your section to play. IMAGINE yourself as being part of a team whose desire is to make your favorite kind of music.
REMEMBER that you can make your dreams come true by working hard and doing your part. REMEMBER that all of the players of the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra were once young musicians just like you and have worked very hard to be in the Orchestra. REMEMBER, it is through diligent, regular practicing that you can achieve a high level of proficiency on your instrument. REMEMBER to dream!
Frequently Asked Questions
Dates and Times
Reservations
Attendance Guidelines
Afternoon Schedule
Study Guides
Educational Resources