Is playing in an orchestra fun?

Have Fun!: Last, but definitely not least, joining a community orchestra is a great way to have fun. Unlike professional groups that are highly competitive (for a good reason), local community symphonies are often made up of people who simply want to have fun doing something they love.

What has orchestra taught you?

The orchestra has clearly defined roles and responsibilities and ensures that each one is filled appropriately. Sharing career histories, past roles and experiences will allow everyone to identify the talents in the team and better understand how and when to tap into these.

What does being in orchestra teach you?

Orchestra members have to work together to make music. Children learn to wait to play their instrument at the proper time, learn to adjust to fit their movements and sounds with those of others. They are learning how to cooperate and collaborate, they are learning sympathy and empathy.

How do ballet conductors know when to re-start the music?

When the music stops between scenes and the lights go down on stage, there is a set number of seconds, a cue on stage from the curtain, or a light in the pit that lets the conductor know when to re-start the music. Recently, I was in Russia conducting three ballet productions in a week.

What is a typical day like for a conductor?

There is no typical day as a conductor! But I can give examples. When I’m not in rehearsal or performance, I spend a great deal of time studying and developing my own interpretation of the music. If I’m conducting a ballet, I study the choreography as well as the music.

How do musicians know what you want from the music?

If you bring the right energy, they will know exactly what you want from the music through your physical movement, facial expressions and energy. I can’t describe how cool it is to make a movement with my arm that conveys a message to the musicians, and as a result, to hear back the sound I wanted to convey through my physical movement.