Read the information about Historical Practices in Choral Conducting. Then answer the questions below. (N.B. These questions will require you to think about the material read and make transfers, rather than simply quote it.)

1. How long has our current notion of a conductor (as a central authority figure waving his or her hands or a baton from a podium or other position in front of an ensemble) been a major concept or practice? Why do you think such is the case?

2. It is mentioned that earlier "conducting" featured someone giving an audible beat with a roll of paper, staff, or foot. Why do you think such practice has generally been considered inappropriate today for school choirs? Can you think of any instances today where someone giving an audible beat rather than choristers relying on a visual beat in a choral performance would be appropriate?

3. What is chironomy? To what practices still current in choral rehearsing and conducting might you link it?

4. Reflect on the historical transition from the conductor as a member of the ensemble (a "first among equals") to the conductor as separate from the ensemble and assuming full powers of interpretation and soundscape. What are some of the advantages of this transition? What are some of the weaknesses of this transition?

5. As a music educator/music therapist, to what extent do you agree or disagree with Small's analysis that the modern conception of conducting takes away choristers' musical autonomy and power of independent action? Why?