The craft of conducting – the basics

Video 9 – More asymmetrical patterns

Teacher music resource developed by The Arts Unit

Conductor Stephen Williams

Video 9 and supplementary materials

Hunter Wind Ensemble on stage with conductor
Hunter Wind Ensemble

More asymmetrical patterns

In Video 9 we discover more asymmetrical patterns. Join Steve as he discusses more big beats and little beats.

Again you decide what patterns/gestures suit best the music and your way of conducting

More asymmetrical patterns - video chapter markers

You may like to use the video chapter marker timings to review and revise areas of interest. Select the collapsible text arrow to view.

Please note: chapter markers are also provided on the video.

  • 01:05 - Big beats and little beats reviewed

  • 02:00 - Everything’s Alright! revisited

  • 02:58 - Determining your pattern framework with asymmetrical patterns

  • 03:22 - The floating gesture in 2

  • 04:55 - ‘Tongue-clicking’ to keep metronomic

  • 06:18 - 5/8 (2+3) big beats with music

  • 07:48 - 5/8 (3+2) big beats with music

  • 08:50 - Compound metres in 7 (the 3 pattern)

  • 09:30 - 7/8 (3+2+2) big beats

  • 09:40 - Sizzling!

  • 10:31 - 7/8 (3+2+2) with music

  • 11:25 - 7/8 (2+2+3) big beats

  • 11:47 - 7/8 (2+2+3) with music

  • 12:28 - 7/8 (2+3+2) big beats

  • 13:22 - 7/8 (mixed groupings) big beats

  • 13:49 - Practise makes perfect! Some tips!

Screen examples

Example 1: Time beating in 5 (2 and 3) in big beats (overarching 2 pattern)

Stephen Williams
1. 16 bar conducting exercise in 5/8 (2 and 3) in big beats (2 pattern) by Stephen Williams

Example 2: Time beating in 5 (3 and 2) in big beats (overarching 2 pattern)

Stephen Williams
2. 16 bar conducting exercise in 5/8 (3 and 2) in big beats (2 pattern) by Stephen Williams

Example 3: Time beating in 7 (3, 2, 2) in big beats (overarching 3 pattern)

Stephen Williams
3. 8 bar conducting exercise in 7/8 (3 and 2 and 2) in big beats (3 pattern) by Stephen Williams

Example 4: Time beating in 7 (2, 2, 3) in big beats (overarching three pattern)

Stephen Williams
4. 11 bar conducting exercise in 7/8 (2 and 2 and 3) in big beats (3 pattern) by Stephen Williams

Example 5: Time beating in 7 (mixed) in big beats (overarching 3 pattern)

Stephen Williams
5. 8 bar conducting exercise in 7/8 (mixed) in big beats (3 pattern) by Stephen Williams

Enjoy

Enjoy this light-hearted look at conductors in action in the following 2 videos:

Candide - What the orchestra sees or "The dancing conductor"

Duration: 04:10

Conductor Fails Compilation

Duration: 01:50

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