“Gotcha Directing”

“Gotcha Directing”

Dr. Don R. Campbell

Many situations in our lives are complex. Relationships, politics, and religion are complex. Some things like cars, biology, and even running a race are irreducibly complex—meaning if one part of the mechanism or task is missing, the whole does not function. Conducting is also irreducibly complex. There are so many parts to conducting: listening, analysis, tuning, developing vowel unity, psychology, vocal pedagogy, etc…oh…and gesture. Though gesture can include your facial expression, body language through posture, stance, and more, for our purposes here, we will address the facet of gesture to be what we do our hands. A crucial aspect of this gesture is preparation and execution of the beat.

As singers, we exist in the moment—how our voices are sounding, what choreography is happening, and even what words we’re supposed to be singing. As directors, we are constantly thinking ahead of the music; where we’re going—not where we are. Every gesture we choose to use must have an appropriate preparation preceding it; otherwise, we have what I call “Gotcha” Directing.” “Gotcha Directing” is not giving enough visual warning to the chorus for any action you want the chorus to do. Below is a pathway to understanding and improving.

• If you want to start the chorus, your preparation beat must show the first ictus point, tempo, articulation, volume, and style. Leaving out one of those aspects does not fully communicate your intentions.
• When you want to stop the chorus, either at the end of a song or for internal breaths during the song, you must show preparation for those releases. If there is not sufficient preparation, there will not be a coordinated execution; the chorus will interpret your gesture in multiple ways.
• In competition, have you ever been told that your chorus lacks synchronicity? Trust the judges when they say that and don’t blame the chorus first—look inward. Perhaps their synchronicity problems begin with you.
• Really listen, in real time, to how your chorus is reacting to your gestures.
• Watch rehearsal videos that show both you and the chorus.
• Practice each gesture before, during, and after rehearsals. By doing that, you will discover what does and what doesn’t work. As you determine what works, do it that way every time so the chorus and you develop a conducting language that everyone understands.

Conducting isn’t as complex as rocket surgery, but it also isn’t easy. To do it well requires a lot of study, planning, and practice. However, it is so rewarding for you as well as your singers. It is worth all the effort.

That’s why the Directors College exists—to raise the level of our Society’s directors so all our chorus will continue to flourish. Won’t you join us for Harmony University 2022 this summer?

-DRC