Every ensemble type carries with it a litany of opportunities and challenges. As conductors, we are expected to understand the differences and be able to prepare accordingly.
Let’s ponder the size of the choir. Sometimes we determine the number of singers based on the repertoire to be performed (a Mozart Requiem with twelve voices? Probably not). Other times, we are constrained by the physical limitations of our rehearsal or performance space. If you have a touring choir, transportation costs will probably come into the discussions.
Of course the size of the ensemble brings up a huge number of questions. Take this performance from the 2013 ACDA National Conference of a choir of more than 250 voices. What challenges does the singer face when the opposite ends of the choir are over 20 yards apart? How must the conductor prepare to rehearse an ensemble of this size? What physical demands are placed upon the conductor? (To be continued in "From Gesture to Sound – Steering a Big Ship.")
Bill Nordan says