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Summary: A cue shows an entrance for a player or whole section. Learn about ways in which conductors cue orchestra members in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.
Brandon Archer has obtained a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Wheaton Conservatory of Music. He has more than five years of teaching experience conducting bands and orchestras....read more
Conducting an orchestra can be a daunting task, be it a string ensemble or an entire symphony. The job requires an extensive knowledge of music scoring as well as a natural gift to distinguish proper pitch and tone. And beyond the music basics, a conductor has to be an entertainer, involving their musicians as well as their audience in the piece they are conducting. The conductor is the focus of attention for the entire performance venue, so they must follow the proper etiquette and established rules and at the same time keep the crowd entertained and involved.
In this free series on conducting a symphony orchestra, you will learn how to cue different sections of the orchestra, such as the strings, the brass and the soloist, in different time signatures. Brandon will also demonstrate the dynamics of conducting an orchestra, explaining terms such as forte, piano and crescendo. Watch this series if you are planning on becoming a conductor, or if you would just like to know more of what goes on at the podium the next time you attend a classical music performance.
eHow Article: What Are Orchestra Conductor Cues?