A year ago, I was reflecting on my experience of getting to conduct my high school band and performing at our spring concert. Fast forward to now, a lot has happened and I would love to share my thoughts again after another year of amazing experiences. Conducting can seem like a mysterious thing, but I assure you that it’s not. For those who are wondering what all the arm waving and gestures mean, check out my post from last year.
Another Year
After a thrilling experience of conducting in Grade 11, I knew I had to ask to do it again this year. I am very thankful for my band director for giving me the chance to conduct again because I know it’s something that not a lot of students get to do. She says that it’s a good opportunity for her too, because she actually gets to play with the band instead of conducting. It’s a win-win situation.
From late December until late May, I would come to rehearsal every week and get to work on my pieces with the ensemble. I had to have a clear vision of how I wanted the music to sound and then I would have to give constructive feedback accordingly. This was a big challenge last year: although I was comfortable with the physical action of conducting, I struggled with the teaching aspect that goes hand-in-hand with conducting. I often had to look at my teacher for guidance and I felt unsure about what direction I wanted the piece to go in.
This had to be learned the hard way, but after many rehearsals, I have become more independent and confident about my interpretation of the music.
I’ve learned to be more picky (it’s a good thing) and I can now give more specific feedback. If a certain section sounds off, I’m able to catch it and make adjustments. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but that’s the process of rehearsing. Teaching doesn’t always go how you plan it and it’s up to me to adapt to the situation on the spot.
In general though, I loved every opportunity I got to step up to the podium and conducting is always exciting for me. Jokingly, I would say that conducting is like flinging a magic wand around and pretending that I’m a wizard from Harry Potter.
The Community
Perhaps my favourite part of this year was getting to know everyone better. I am a conductor, but I am also a student at the same time. Being a conductor doesn’t mean that I’m better than everyone else – in fact, the effect is quite the opposite. By being a conductor, I feel more connected and close to all of my fellow students. I’ve come to love all of the unique personalities that make up the band. I remember after our last performance how there were students crying – the Grade 12s would be leaving and for the Grade 10s and 11s, their musical experience would have to wait until next year to start again.
Outside of the band, I’ve connected with so many people through music. Teachers have come up to me and expressed they want to start playing music again, after not picking up an instrument for many years. Strangers have come up to me and explained how the music reminded them of a movie they watched. Countless adults have shook my hands and congratulated me on my conducting. And I find myself repeating “thank you.” While I do feel happy, I also owe a lot of love to the students that I conduct – for their willingness to work with me and for all of their hard work.
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my music teacher again. After our spring concert, she gave me a fancy new baton as a gift. I broke my old baton (accidentally) and I had been borrowing one of hers for the time being. I was surprised when she pulled it out after the performance and handed it to me. It’s something that is special to me and I will definitely cherish it.
The Music and The Future
I wanted to tackle more difficult music this year. So I conducted not 1, but 2 pieces this year. The two pieces were Redemption and Mt. Everest, both composed by Rossano Galante. What really drew me to Galante’s music was the majestic and epic feel to his music – I’m a real sucker for those pieces that make your heart pump and make you feel like you’re soaring.
I was also given more opportunities to conduct this year. Besides being able to conduct at our spring concert, I also conducted the band at our Grade 12 Graduation ceremony as well as our Academic Awards Night. What can I say? These were highlights of my year. I’ve had so many amazing experiences with the band and that’s why I’ve asked to come back next year. While I’m studying music at university, I plan to come back to Pearson and be a volunteer teacher’s assistant and hopefully get the chance to conduct even more.
Video!
Just like last year, I’m including a video so you can experience the music too. This a performance of Mt. Everest and as described by the composer, it is:
Comprised of robust brass melodies, sweeping woodwind lines, and rhythmic ostinati, this composition captures the epic grandeur and beauty of Everest, the highest mountain on earth.
Enjoy!
(You can also find a performance of the same piece at our Academic Awards Night by visiting my channel)