Music performance organizations exist to provide quality musical experiences to all members of the community. The position of Music Director in a performing ensemble demands excellent leadership and a clear vision based on the knowledge of the context in which the ensemble performs. The four essential principles from which the Music Director must make decisions are: 1) to provide leadership towards the maximum quality of musical experience, 2) to challenge within reasonable grasp, the abilities of the performers as well as the listening abilities of the audience, 3) to schedule concerts in accordance to the central concept of unity, and 4) to perform at a consistent standard of excellence, creating positive experiences to build upon.   Philosophy of Conducting

High quality music provides the opportunity for high quality musical experiences. The Music Director must have an intimate knowledge of each aspect of the music and the ability to assist or instruct the performers on how to achieve success. It is the methodology of presenting logical, clear, successive steps to achieving musicality, combined with consistent, clear and expressive technique that determines the conductor’s effectiveness. The principle of challenge demands great sensitivity on behalf of the Music Director. Growth is most easily achieved when it is desired, not forced. The climate of growth must be created through achievable challenge. Both musicians and audiences enjoy the experience of overcoming a challenge that is within their potential; to go beyond is to create frustration, poorly communicated ideas, and most of all negative experiences. The excitement of reaching a new plateau, combined with the joy of a successful performance is one of the cornerstones of a community’s musical growth. Integral to the concept of growth is effective programming. Concerts that are programmed with unity in mind allow for clarity of ideas and emotions, offer the listener a greater opportunity to to be involved in the performance. Unity can become a key part of a programming strategy by having a wide knowledge of repertoire, and utilizing a sense of creativity when combining repertoire for a concert. Ultimately, clarity of musical progression and intent provide for enjoyable listening experiences.

The single most important principle that must lead the Music Director in every instance in contained in a single word: excellence. Dedication to excellence in all of the above principles will ultimately lead to creating positive musical experiences. A leader who strives for excellence will act as an example for others to follow. In this way both the performers and listeners who wish to grow in their understanding of music have the support and community needed to do so. Dedication to excellence creates a culture of growth and success. Fundamental to this culture are the leadership, knowledge and vision of the Music Director. By adhering to these basic principles, the Music Director fulfills the mandate of the ensembles; to challenge and grow, providing quality musical experiences for all members of the community.