Beyond the Baton What Every Conductor Needs to Know

by Wittry, Diane

• ISBN13: 9780195300932
• ISBN10: 0195300939
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-12-28
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Seasoned conductor Diane Wittry draws a comprehensive roadmap to a successful career in Beyond the Baton. With first-hand understanding of how the role of the conductor has changed across the years, she expertly examines the new set of duties--both on and off of the podium--that now fall uponthe shoulders of the music director. From getting a job to fundraising and educational outreach, Wittry's comprehensive tips and strategies guide students and professional conductors alike through the leadership and organizational skills necessary for success. Numerous real-life examples illustrate vital skills for artistic leadershipsuch as programming subscription, pops, and educational concerts; understanding the budget and the music director's role in funding the artistic vision; and presenting speeches, and radio and televised interviews. In informative conversations with the author, successful conductors Leonard Slatkin,Robert Spano, and JoAnn Falletta offer tips from personal experience on how music directors can work successfully with orchestras, and what their roles are with the board and the community.

Author Biography

Diane Wittry is currently the Music Director of both the Allentown and Norwalk Symphony Orchestras and a frequent guest conductor for numerous orchestras, both in the United States and throughout the world. She is the recipient of many honors and awards, including the American Symphony Orchestra League's 1996 Helen M. Thompson Award, which recognized her outstanding artistic leadership with a regional orchestra.

Table of Contents

PROLOGUE: SO—YOU WANT TO BE A CONDUCTOR? IT STARTS WITH YOU	3
1 PREPARING FOR SUCCESS	7
Formal Musical Training	7
Character Development	13
Choosing the Path	17
2 PATH TO THE PODIUM	27
Interview: Leonard Slatkin, National Symphony	27
Interview: Robert Spano, Atlanta Symphony	33
Interview: JoAnn Falletta, Buffalo Philharmonic	38
3 YOUR FIRST JOB	45
Getting the Job	45
Negotiating the Contract	58
First Year—Do's and Don'ts	66
Getting Organized	70
4 ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP	77
Understanding Leadership	77
Steps to Becoming a Successful Leader	79
Thoughts about Artistic Vision	90
5 ARTISTIC PROGRAMMING	97
Subscription Concert Programming	97
Thematic Programming	119
Pops Programming	121
Educational and Family Programs	131
The Overall Concert Experience	136
6 THE PEOPLE FACTOR	141
Working with People	141
Implementing the Artistic Plan	153
The Music Director's Role with the Board	170
Union and Orchestra Relations	176
Rehearsal Techniques	185
Developing Your Network	190
7 FUNDING THE ARTISTIC VISION	193
Getting to Know the Numbers	193
The Music Director's Role in Fundraising	197
Creating a Visible Presence in the Community	200
8 CLOSING THOUGHTS	209
Keeping Your Competitive Edge	209
Leaving a Legacy	211
Epilogue	212
Resources
MUSIC ORGANIZATIONS	217
Networking Organizations	217
Directories, Magazines, and Journals	218
Internet Resources and Forums	219
Artist Managers	221
MUSIC SOURCES	225
Standard Music Publishers	225
Pops Music Publishers	227
Library Special Collections	229
TRAINING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT	251
Summer Festivals and Workshops	251
Conducting Competitions	253
Grants and Residencies	258
PROGRAMMING RESOURCES	265
Thematic Programming Lists	265
Encore Lists	308
Audition Repertoire Lists	311
SAMPLE CONTRACTS AND RESUME FORMAT	319
Music Director Job Posting	319
Music Director Job Description	320
Sample Guest Conducting Contract	321
Sample Music Director Contract	322
Sample Résumé	326
RECOMMENDED READING	327
Music Books	327
Leadership Books	328
Organizational Books	329
PHOTO CREDITS	331
INDEX	333