Last month Peder Karlsson
and I (Merel Martens) had an interesting skype session about leadership, group
dynamics, and more specifically; the role of the conductor. We all know that ‘being a conductor’ is about
so many more aspects then just the conducting itself. A couple of roles that
come to mind can be: rehearsal leader, arranger, innovator, planner, motivator,
mediator, pianist and so on. In fact, the choir expects you to work magic when
it comes to musical decisions, but at the same time you ought to be a good
inspirer, be able to work with the social dynamics, have the perfect musical
plan, etc.
There are a few aspects
that are really interesting to ponder. For example: I learned that the
atmosphere during the rehearsal is in fact a reflection of the way the leader
is working with the group. Of course this is true. It’s all about giving the
group a good vibe! But how about the fact that in between rehearsal items the
choir members are so enthusiastic that they start helping each other and talk
about the way the piece has to be sung. At first the atmosphere will be positive,
because this is something that’s a spontaneous, enthusiastic reaction from the
singers. But once the comments and talks begin to bother the rehearsal process,
it can also be a bad thing. And is the conductor the only one responsible then?
Or think about the rehearsals you’ve had when there was a storm outside. Or the
ones where everyone is excited about a gig or about some good news... I think
the conductor should mainly be focusing on the musical items, and there should
be some clear rules about when you can talk and when you can’t; even if the
talking is about the music and the piece. Peder and I came to this conclusion:
in the end it should be the responsibility of the singers as well as the
conductor to have an inspiring rehearsal.
So maybe you can’t say
that the conductor is 100% responsible for the atmosphere during the rehearsal.
And how about the musical planning? Should the group decide what way to go with
the repertoire and should the conductor just be making musical decisions in an
arrangement? Or should the conductor have a clear view of what the choir is
able to sing and what path they have to take? Once the choir gives a lot of
responsibility to the conductor, it can and will become a lazy group regarding
every facet of the collaboration. This is something a conductor should be aware
of! All of the singers should be self reflecting from time to time, as well as
the conductor. This is important for the musical choices as well as their
attitude during the preparation process at home, during the rehearsals, picking
out material, etc. In our words: every singer should be ‘in the drivers’ seat’
from time to time. They have to take responsibility for their own car!
Of course this is
interesting stuff to think about. It’s not like there’s a perfect way of
working, every group is different. That’s what being a conductor is about, and
that’s also what makes it interesting! Hopefully this gets you thinking. There
will be more questions and insights next time!
Warm, musical wishes
from the Netherlands
Merel Martens
(www.merelmartens.eu/facebook/twitter:MartensMerel/linkedin)
