CONDUCTING A FILM MUSIC ORCHESTRAL SCORE part four

This is the last of four tutorials about conducting an orchestra for the purpose of recording a music soundtrack.

Tutorial four

The psychological attitude

You’d rather forget about all three first tutorials and remember that one for it is the most important of all.
I’m going to give you a tip that will work like Harry Potter’s wand and give you the very best possible result from any orchestra.
Most people think of a conductor as the great leader facing a herd of musicians. Most musicians work for many conductors, in many studios, playing all kind of music. They don’t know you, they don’t see any particular reason for helping you do your job.

This is why; you will have magical result if you address the orchestra as individual human beings. During the preparation preceding the session, walk the room and ask the name of the soloists. Draw a rough map and place them, like Patrick timpani by the far end left, Frank first trombone far right and so on. When you talk to them, don’t say” I’d like the flute to play softer on bar 28″, instead say: “Mary, could you please try softer on bar 28, what do you think?” Mary will be delighted of your consideration, you know her name and you respect her as a musician by asking her opinion.
Soon you will feel the orchestra take over the score, try to give their very best, because they are involved.
Please do not spoil this saying:” It’s not correct yet, let’s do it again”. Instead say:” That was much better, I think we could go even further!”
I know a national orchestra conducted by this guy who’s a genius musician. After two years he doesn’t know the name of anyone. They just hate him.
So, don’t be like that! Get the orchestra on your side, use the magic wand of human respect and consideration and you’ll get the best sound any orchestra can give you.