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A music conductor or music director's basic job is to conduct or lead an orchestra. He must be able to artistically interpret the musical composition that is being performed and guide the different instruments and vocalist, if there is one, to bring out their musicality and ensure that the timing and tone of all the musicians is in sync. There were more than 53,000 music conductors or directors employed in the U.S. in 2008.
Amtrak is a large passenger train company owned by the U.S. government. The conductor is responsible for collecting fares and tickets and helping guests, but also coordinates the crew and checks the freight cars. Certificate programs will boost your chances of getting hired by Amtrak, but you can apply as soon as you're 21 if you hold a high school diploma or have passed the General Educational Development, or GED, test.
When goods arrive at shipping ports, freight trains await to transport these products to destinations throughout the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), billions of tons of food, equipment and other goods are transported to cities and towns by freight train. Freight conductors are the professionals who ensure that these materials reach their locations safely and on time.
Railroad conductors plan and coordinate all activities within freight and passenger trains, They work closely with other employees like dispatchers, crew and engineers to ensure that trips run smoothly. As the railroad officials with the most direct contact with the public, they seek to make a lasting and positive impression.
As a industry with traditionally strong unions and high-paying jobs, railroads offer steady, lucrative employment. According to the U.S. Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook into the future is strong because of the number of workers nearing retirement age. Rail transportation jobs can be broken down into three basic categories--freight, passenger, and urban transit. Railroads offer jobs on the trains and also in rail yards, where workers inspect, repair, maintain, couple and uncouple the cars.
Also known as music directors, music conductors lead and help synchronize the music played by orchestras, concert and Broadway show bands, ballets, church choirs and glee clubs. These professionals are well known for their visible arm and hand gestures, which control the direction of the performance and allow musicians to follow the same rhythm. Although these may appear spontaneous to the common observer, the arm and hand movements of conductors visually illustrate the musical arrangement of the ensemble work.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 130,000 Americans employed by the railroad industry, more than 40,000 of whom are train conductors. The railroad industry provides various types of transportation, including subways, passenger trains and freight trains which transport goods to various destinations across the United States. Train conductors have varying job descriptions in accordance with the type of railroad for which they work.
A youth orchestra conductor allows an individual to combine his passion for instrumental music and youth. A youth conductor can introduce new music to the orchestra, as well as the audience members. A youth orchestra's performance of a classic song can sound new or fresh because of the conductor's arrangement.
Musical conductors direct and lead musicians and vocalists in choirs and orchestras. The U.S. employed 53,600 conductors and directors in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
It is hard to imagine a child who hasn't watched in fascination as a train went roaring by. The engines rumble, the metal wheels clack along the track--and when it has passed, the quiet is nearly deafening. It follows that a train lover will eventually think about running the train herself. If you have ever dreamed of working on the railroad, it may be time to think about becoming a Union Pacific conductor.
