What Distinguishes the Conductor from the Band Trainer?
In this article I aim to discuss how the role of the band trainer differs from the role of the conductor. One person can occupy both roles (at different times); indeed, this is often the case in the amateur field of music. However, it is common that one may become more skilled in one area than the other. For the purpose of this article, where I refer to ‘he’ it is intended to be interpreted as he/she. The art of conducting dates back to the early 19th Century, and evolved along side the expressive, Romantic elements in music. It is Wagner who is labelled by many as the first virtuoso conductor. He introduced the interpretive aspect of conducting, where a conductor is not only responsible for the technical side of the performance, but also for displaying his own personal interpretation of the music shown in the score. Berlioz was also an excellent conductor who laid down principles that are still valid today. He said of the art, “takes a great deal of practice, conducting being much mor
