Weird sticks and strange movements: orchestra conducting basics, explained by a conductor

Here is my version of an Orchestra Conducting 101 video, I wanted to give you a personal take on some basics about orchestra conducting, from what physical things we need (like batons and scores, and why I can't find a baton that's comfortable grrr), the conducting patterns we show and why, and the difference between the conducting process in rehearsals vs in concerts. Hopefully you'll leave convinced that we have a real job and don't just wave our arms uncontrollably.
Also, if you want more specific information about some of the aspects I mention in passing, here are some other videos I've done on conducting:
Want to...
know more specifics on what exactly we show (tempo, dynamics, articulation, etc)?
Can an orchestra play without a conductor? • Can an orchestra play ...
have a look inside some of my conducting scores to see what conductors mark & why?
Flipping through my conducting scores • Flipping through my co...
two very different conductors working on the same piece and how different the results are?
Same music, different conductor (Kleiber vs Bernstein) • Same symphony, differe...
timestamps for the people
00:00 Intro
00:57 What does a conductor need? Conducting batons & scores
04:48 Conducting patterns and technique
09:04 Conducting in rehearsals vs conducting in concert

[@howimettheopera]

Please excuse my brain malfunctioning and saying "scheme" when I meant to say "pattern" ( *sighs in Spanish*). I assure you conductors are not behind any scheme, pyramid or of any kind

[@pablov1973]

Hola Anna, soy de Uruguay y mi idioma es el español, pero algo puedo escribir en inglés ¿cómo te queda mejor que te escriba los comentarios, en español o en inglés? Saludos.

[@mitchrosen8605]

One criterion…two criteria. Signed, Mr. Picky. Actually your English is amazing 😊

[@UnshavenStatue]

damn latin plurals sneaking into modern english! frankenstein language this

[@jeaneltawil]

Welcome back! Loved this video. Now I have a challenge for you: expand on every indication ou mentioned at 05:18 (Tempo, Dynamics...) in as many videos as needed ☺I know it's a lot to ask and I'm sure you'll be more than up to it!

[@howimettheopera]

Thanks! Will definitely try to get more specific in some other video, I do speak with more detail about what conductors show in another video( “can an orchestra play without a conductor) if you are interested ;)

[@TheORZ17]

Great video! Great context and examples that I haven't found in other resources.

[@howimettheopera]

Glad to hear! :)

[@brithomas.]

You break this down so dang well. Amazing😍

[@howimettheopera]

Thank you 🙏

[@brithomas.]

@@howimettheopera of course 💕

[@martinhaub2602]

Excellent overview of the job. Keep making them! And please make on on how to keep the music moving along and not get slower and slower that can be passed on to one conductor I play with.

[@howimettheopera]

Thanks! I might just make a video on typical conducting “mistakes”, we’ve all been guilty of some at some point 🙃

[@princekrazie]

Return of the QUEEN😭

[@oxoelfoxo]

Good to see you posting again!

[@howimettheopera]

Thanks!! Good to be back, life happened a bit unexpectedly but I’ve got some stuff already programmed so should be back for a while at least ;)

[@philzmusic8098]

Excellent as always. Did you learn how to conduct well from a teacher or through experience with orchestras? For my part I learned most of what I know from orchestras; you definitely learn what NOT to do!
I find Dover editions very good and inexpensive for standard repertoire. You can always compare them to Urtext editions in libraries if changes are needed.

[@JCO2002]

I believe the wand chooses you, not the other way around. That may be why you haven't found one you like yet.

[@lanebrain55]

I love you accent and pronuncians

[@PinacoladaMatthew]

for sforzando (sfz) you have to go soft after the accent? I thought that's for fortepiano

[@Kraflyn]

make a large grip hollow

[@Aa-nk8qb]

Hablando de batutas, algunos directores (Valery Gergiev) usan mondadientes, directamente :D

[@howimettheopera]

Así es! Cada cual con lo suyo, I guess 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@melinalopez9574]

Is Anni actually a wizard and not an orchestra conductor? We'll find out in the next video!

[@nicholasbartulovic6221]

Okay, great! Now find me an orchestra to do some recording sessions with without bankrupting myself! Lol

[@howimettheopera]

I think all conductors will find your comment extremely relatable XD

[@nyusa74]

“ The Baton chooses the conductor, Harry”:). You know what I mean if you watch Harry Potter.

[@lanebrain55]

Your accent