in Aix-en-Provence, France provides a cooperative learning environment for experienced conductors. In the “lab,” the participants conduct an ensemble of members from the renowned Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and receive comments and critique in real-time directly from the musicians themselves. The Conductors Lab® has NO master conducting teacher. Instead, the suggestions offered by the musicians are contextualized in follow-up sessions through a collaborative process amongst the participants. |
GOALS
|
Thomas Verrier, Founding Director Maite Monchal, Administrator Fergus McWilliam, Artistic Coordinator Mark Wait, Dean, Blair School of Music |
| July 23-27, 2012 |
SCHEDULE
July 23, 2012
- Arrival via Marseille Provence Airport or Paris Charles de Gaulle/TGV to Aix-en-Provence
- Welcome and Introductory Meeting, Vanderbilt-in-France Center
- SESSION: “A Musician’s Perspective On Conducting”
A discussion of the role of the conductor. Viewing the conductor through the musicians’ lens—comparing the messages
sent with those that are received. Video resources (including the Berlin Philharmonic Digital Concert Hall) as source
material for conversation about what the participants think they observe.
- SESSION: “Air Orchestra” (2 hours)
Group exercise in gesture and motion. Portraying musical intent non-verbally.
July 24, 2012
- SESSION: “Squaring the Circle”
Discussion focused on reconciling "collaborative thinking" with individual artistic expression: body language that looks
clear instead of confusing, rhythmically solid but not stiff, authoritative but not autocratic, helpful but not passive,
passionate but not overly ecstatic, attractive but not balletic and so on.
- SESSION: “A Musician’s Guide to Score Preparation”
Discussion of score study and analysis; particular focus on how to help players understand what their individual
contributions should be. Serving the musicians as well as the composer.
- LAB EXPERIENCE 1
Participants conduct (30 min. each); comments and critique by the ensemble musicians.
- REFLECTION
Time for individual and group review of the conducting experiences (via video).
July 25, 2012
- COLLOQUIUM:
Group discussion, processing the musicians’ feedback through a pedagogical lense; participants share constructive
comments and recommendations.
- LAB EXPERIENCE 2
Participants conduct (30 min. each); comments and critique by the ensemble musicians.
- REFLECTION
Time for individual and group review of the conducting experiences (via video).
July 26, 2012
- COLLOQUIUM:
Group discussion, processing the musicians’ feedback through a pedagogical lense; participants share constructive
comments and recommendations.
- SESSION: "Contextualizing the Conductors Lab Experience"
Strategies for working with ensembles of differing instrumentation, quality, and playing culture.
- Excursion to the seaside village of Cassis; farewell dinner.
July 27, 2012
Depart Aix-en-Provence
July 23, 2012
- Arrival via Marseille Provence Airport or Paris Charles de Gaulle/TGV to Aix-en-Provence
- Welcome and Introductory Meeting, Vanderbilt-in-France Center
- SESSION: “A Musician’s Perspective On Conducting”
A discussion of the role of the conductor. Viewing the conductor through the musicians’ lens—comparing the messages
sent with those that are received. Video resources (including the Berlin Philharmonic Digital Concert Hall) as source
material for conversation about what the participants think they observe.
- SESSION: “Air Orchestra” (2 hours)
Group exercise in gesture and motion. Portraying musical intent non-verbally.
July 24, 2012
- SESSION: “Squaring the Circle”
Discussion focused on reconciling "collaborative thinking" with individual artistic expression: body language that looks
clear instead of confusing, rhythmically solid but not stiff, authoritative but not autocratic, helpful but not passive,
passionate but not overly ecstatic, attractive but not balletic and so on.
- SESSION: “A Musician’s Guide to Score Preparation”
Discussion of score study and analysis; particular focus on how to help players understand what their individual
contributions should be. Serving the musicians as well as the composer.
- LAB EXPERIENCE 1
Participants conduct (30 min. each); comments and critique by the ensemble musicians.
- REFLECTION
Time for individual and group review of the conducting experiences (via video).
July 25, 2012
- COLLOQUIUM:
Group discussion, processing the musicians’ feedback through a pedagogical lense; participants share constructive
comments and recommendations.
- LAB EXPERIENCE 2
Participants conduct (30 min. each); comments and critique by the ensemble musicians.
- REFLECTION
Time for individual and group review of the conducting experiences (via video).
July 26, 2012
- COLLOQUIUM:
Group discussion, processing the musicians’ feedback through a pedagogical lense; participants share constructive
comments and recommendations.
- SESSION: "Contextualizing the Conductors Lab Experience"
Strategies for working with ensembles of differing instrumentation, quality, and playing culture.
- Excursion to the seaside village of Cassis; farewell dinner.
July 27, 2012
Depart Aix-en-Provence
Repertoire for the 2012 Conductors Lab will consist of two works:
Nonet, Op. 31 by Louis Spohr Nonet by Bohuslav Martinu
Nonet, Op. 31 by Louis Spohr Nonet by Bohuslav Martinu
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