[Dixielandjazz] Symphonic baton technique

[Russ Guarino]

The upstroke of the baton is 1/2 beat before the next beat with is exactly on
the bottom of the down stroke.  "an' one", up-down. Sitting in the clarinet
section of an orchestra results in hearing most of what the orchestra is doing.
So you are aware of both the baton and the music. You are not as isolate as you
might think.

Russ Guarino

Bill Gunter wrote:

> Listmates,
>
> Steve B. writes:
>
> >. . . the baton IS the boss.  There is no
> >visual delay there whatsoever.  You crash your cymbal when the baton
> >hits bottom.  The upwards stroke is your preparation...
>
> I'm not sure I agree with Steve on this point (but what the hell, Steve and
> I have disagreed before). Anyway, I don't believe the cymbal crash comes at
> the end of the downward stroke of the baton. I think it starts at the
> instant the baton starts to rise. It's as is the baton is "pulling" the
> sound up with his baton, not "beating" it with his baton.
>
> Bassist Ronnie Ray (over in Loch Long in Scotland) told me once that he
> didn't like to play in the symphony because he felt the baton protocol
> conflicted with his jazz concepts.
>
> It is also my perception in observing conductors that such is the case.
>
> I'd be interested in hearing you symphony players weigh in on this.
>
> Respectfully submitted,
>
> Bill "Not a symphony conductor" Gunter
>
> jazzboard at hotmail.com
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Rethink your business approach for the new year with the helpful tips here.
> http://special.msn.com/bcentral/prep04.armx
>
> _______________________________________________
> Dixielandjazz mailing list
> Dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
> http://ml.islandnet.com/mailman/listinfo/dixielandjazz