Page 85 - Music

Figure 6.2: A vocal choir ensemble performance

Normally, vocal choir ensembles have conductors to lead them. A choir
conductor is a person who leads and coordinates a vocal choir ensemble
performance. They are responsible for leading and supervising the rehearsals
as well as the performance. A conductor has to interpret and understand the
music to be performed. The conductor needs to understand musical terms and
signs used in a song, such as tempo, articulations,
dynamics, repetition of sections and others to lead
the singers to follow them. When conducting a
choir ensemble performance, a conductor can use
free hands. One hand indicates the beats and the
other indicates expressions such as dynamics and
articulations. A conductor can also use a special
stick known as baton in one hand to indicate the
beats of a song and maintain rhythm while the
other hand indicates expressions. By following the
conductor’s gestures, singers precisely transmit
the intended song message to the audience. Figure

6.3 shows a choir conductor using a baton during Figure 6.3: A choir conductor
a performance. using a baton during a
performance

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