I've often enjoyed a silent chuckle when reading the instructions in the back of the hymnal to conduct Hymn 221, "Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd" in an altered 4 pattern, even though it's in 6.
Have you ever tried this?
It feels super awkward to me.
And more importantly, it touches on a very common issue with music leaders and conductors of all levels of experience.
Rather than make the conducting "busy," as this altered 4 pattern is in a 6/4 time...
...it's SO much better to follow the "oncoming traffic" principle when leading the music.
And what, pray tell, is the "oncoming traffic" conducting principle, you ask?
GET OUT OF THE WAY!
Rather than direct traffic...
...your job when leading the music is to get out of the way of the "busy"-ness of all the moving parts...
...and become one who creates a space that enables a smooth flow for the congregation...
...an easily flowing river of words and song, no matter how much the tempest is raging, or the billows are tossing high.
Otherwise, you'll run yourself ragged and shake your arm right into a brace from the chronic shoulder pain you'll soon experience.
This "get out of the way" principle is REALLY clear when you look at orchestra conductors.
It's really fun to watch how different young, energetic orchestra conductors, and old, wise, controlled senior statesman conductors are.
The young guns move about 10 times more than the old dogs.
And sure, it's often exciting to see all the podium choreography...
...but the old guard command an ocean of weight, respect, and empowering of their musicians with the simplest of basic, "getting out of the way" of the music kind of gestures.
And since Sacrament Meeting is MUCH more about getting out of the way so the Spirit can take over...
...I recommend taking the simpler path of the older, wiser conductor.
But it definitely takes practice.
Which is why, pretty soon, I'm going to host an online virtual Sacrament Meeting conducting class.
If you'd like to sign up for the waitlist, you can do so below:
https://douglaspew.ck.page/6c95a4c00d
We'll work together to increase your confidence...
...smooth out your gestures...
...and give you all the tools you need to empower your congregation to sing a joyful noise at the top of their lungs...
...whether you're in front of 50, or a Conference Center of 21,000.
I'm really looking forward to this class.
Just click the link above to make sure you don't miss this one.
Now, go take a minute to practice your slow 2 pattern for the next time you conduct Hymn 221. That's all you need. A nice, slow-and-steady 2 pattern.
Have a good one!
Doug