Klarinet Archive - Posting 000357.txt from 1995/06

From: Cynthia Kay Matthews <matthew3@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Conductor books
Date: Fri, 16 Jun 1995 17:46:29 -0400

Scott,

It would be more helpful if I knew your background (orchestra,
band, choral), but anyway, here we go: I agree that the Hunsberger/Ernst
book is good, but I believe the Joseph A. Labuta book is better. The
Labuta book has more examples from repertoire to conduct. If you can only
find four players, you can conduct from this book. The Elizabeth Green
books are excellent, but tend to deal more with philosophy and ideas. You
may want to look at her books later. I might also suggest Hugo Marple's
"The Beginning Conductor." In the choral area, "The Choral Conductor's
Handbook" by Walter Ehret is good, but pretty dated.
If you do find an ensemble, I think you will find that the left
hand is really going to hang you up. As hard as it is, I would grit my
teeth and go ahead and learn to conduct with the right hand. You will be
glad in the long run. There are a few successful conductors who are left
handed (or I should say hold the baton in the left hand), but not many.
Hope this helps. Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any
further questions. Good luck!
Andy Wolverton
Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting candidate
awolvert@-----.edu