A conductor leads choral and instrumental groups to help musicians to reach their fullest potential.
The music conductor has what can be considered the most important job in the orchestra. The skills a conductor possesses allows her to set and keep the tempo, cue each instrument and fully comprehend the piece of music being played. To ensure the job is done correctly, there are a few tools necessary for the conductor to unite the orchestra as single entity.
Baton
The baton helps exaggerate the rhythm and tempo.
Many conductors use a baton to direct music, although some prefer to use their hands. This wand can be made of wood, fiberglass or carbon fiber and tapers into a teardrop handle that is constructed from wood or cork. The tempo is kept by smooth, exaggerated movements with the baton that are formed in specific patterns. For example, to keep a tempo with three beats in a measure, the conductor moves the baton down to mark the first beat, to the right to mark the second and back up to the starting point in a curve to mark the third. The baton is also used to cue musicians when it is time to play or sing.
Tuner
A tuner is a mechanical device that is used to ensure instruments are in tune. Lights on the tuner will tell the conductor whether notes are sharp, flat or in tune. It is essential to make sure each instrument is in tune before performances and rehearsals; adjustments are made as necessary and rechecked. Orchestral musicians alternatively tune one instrument, then tune the other section members using the in-tune instrument.
Metronome
The tempo of a composition is set using numbers on the metronome.
A metronome is a mechanical device that keeps the tempo. Each metronome is different, but all metronomes produce a sound or light to a steady beat. To help musicians, a conductor will sometimes use a metronome to find the tempo for each piece of music. The composer or conductor will often mark each composition with the metronome tempo in order for musicians to practice the correct tempo at home.
Music Stand
The music stand helps the conductor keep track of each part in a piece of music.
The music stand holds the conductor's other tools. Often featuring a lamp to illuminate dark music halls, the stand holds the score of the music with each part of every singer or instrument as well as the metronome, tuner and baton.
