The Conductors Course

Directed by Laszlo Marosi - University of Central Florida

Sunday 11th – Saturday 17th August 2013

Following the huge success of the 2012 conductors course we are pleased to announce the return of Dr. Laszlo Marosi from the University of Central Florida to direct this course.

Whether you are a professional conductor, keen amateur, teacher who is required to direct ensembles, or a musician developing new skills then this course will be beneficial to you.

Every aspect of conducting will be carefully explored.  This course will develop your conducting techniques, score preparation, rehearsal skills and repertoire knowledge.  Group discussions will be aided by a comprehensive score library and the use of a video recorder to analyse conducting techniques.

Who will I be conducting?

Depending on your conducting experience you will be conducting either the wind band or string orchestra. This decision will be at the discretion of the Music for You Course Directors. You may also have the opportunity to conduct chamber music ensembles during the evening sessions.

What will I learn?

The course will look at many aspects of conducting. These will include;

• The Develpment of Conducting Techniques
• Posture of the Conductor
• The Conducting Plane
• The Ictus
• The Preparatory Gestures
• Eye Contact
• Meters
• Releases
• Fermatas (Pauses)
• Styles
• Dynamics
• Use of the Left Hand
• Cues
• Irregular Entrances

Repertoire

A repertoire list for the conductors course is published below. It has been carefully selected to develop conducting techniques and will be adapted to suit the student's specific interests where possible. Please select two works from the repertoire list. Advanced conductors must choose from the orchestral repertoire and beginner intermediate conductors from the wind band repertoire. You may bring a piece of your own choice if you wish. Conductors are expected to purchase and study their chosen scores prior to the start of the course. It is important that you listen to and prepare your chosen pieces as much as possible to gain maximum benefit from the course. Please contact us if you require any help selecting a suitable score.

Do I need to bring my instrument?

Conductors are required to bring their principal instrument and play in rehearsals where appropriate.  If you play more than one instrument then please bring all instruments to the course.

Concert

All students will be able to participate in the conductor's concert on Friday 16th August 2013 in Cambridge. Friends and family are encouraged to attend and are warmly invited. Details about the concert will be provided at a later date.   

Please be understanding that it will be impossible for all students to take part in the final concert and this is not a reflection on your conducting standard but a mere practical decision due to the length of the concert.

Number of Conducting Students

There will be a limited number of places for this year’s course.  A maximum number of 10 conducting students will be accepted for the 2013 course.  Bookings will be taken on a first come first serve basis.

Observers and Musicians

If you wish to listen and observe the course tutor and students but do not want to take an active part, then you may.  Much can be gained from studying the scores, listening to the tutor and partaking students. If you wish to play on the conductor’s course as an instrumentalist, then this is also possible.  Course fees will be the same price as the Symphonic Wind Band Course.

A welcome meeting will begin at 1.00pm on Sunday 11th August and rehearsals will commence at 1.30pm on Sunday 11th August. A detailed schedule will be given on arrival at the course.

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Laszlo Marosi

Laszlo Marosi was born in Sarvar, Hungary.  His musical education began at the age of five, and continued at the Music Gymnasium, where he majored on both piano and trombone.  He studied conducting at the Liszt Academy of Music with Tamas Breitner, the director of the Pecs Opera.  From 1982 to 1997 Marosi worked as the conductor of the Hungarian Central Army Orchestra.  During this period he recorded a number of works by Liszt and several contemporary Hungarian composers.  He also conducted his ensemble for radio and television productions and toured with the group throughout Europe.  His book, “The History of the Military Music in Hungary from 1741-1945” was published in 1994.

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