The Conductor as Yogi: Concentric Circles

Sometimes I have singers stand in two concentric circles—the smaller one within the larger one—and sing from these new vantage points.  The larger circle may be those who have stronger voices, more confidence, allowing their sound to flow through the smaller circle and across the space, leading the way by providing comfort and security.

But the smaller inner circle may also be the source of grounding—a confident group of singers unafraid to look directly at each other, leading by breath and comfortable with their “centritude.” They are the singers we have come to rely on for their unwavering commitment and musical excellence.  In close proximity to each other, they become the soul of the sound, in the way the human experience of soul is thought to function as the core of our being.

Neither of these is the always correct and most helpful approach.  As in life, we sometimes look outside of ourselves to remember that the challenges of our day-to-day work are really small in comparison to bigger, more important experiences and relationships.  We look to family and friends and wise words and faith and nature and whatever it is for you that embraces you from the perspective of the larger circle, like arms of warmth and assurance.

Sometimes the outer world is overwhelming, with news of violence and grief and disappointment and self-centered action and the business-as-usual approach to “solving” problems.  In those moments, we know we can turn inward, to our inner core—the light within that is ours to acknowledge and celebrate and then, to share.  We can radiate from that inside circle outward . . . a light, however small, for others.  For our singers in those few moments we have with them in their busy days and weeks.  And we relish that opportunity because it reminds us we are more than the concerts we produce and the applause we receive.

What do you need at this moment—and what do your singers need?  The metaphorical embrace of assurance from a larger source of wisdom and strength, found in the beauty of sound and text, and best realized when we are aware and selfless?  Or the reminder of the clarity and uniqueness of our inner light, which we can uncover throughout the steps of musical learning and collaborative creation?  As we hold the singers’ experience in our expressive hands, we can shape it, always aware of and responsive to the outer and inner spheres of our lives, musical and otherwise.  No perfection, no way to “fix” all the problems of the world, but always able to seek good and love.

Dr. Ramona Wis is the Mimi Rolland Endowed Professor in the Fine Arts, Professor of Music, and Director of Choral Activities at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois and the author of The Conductor as Leader:  Principles of Leadership Applied to Life on the Podium.  Dr. Wis is a 500-hour CYT (Certified Yoga Teacher) and a certified Brain Longevity® Specialist, a research-based certification on yoga and integrative medicine for brain health and healthy aging. Reach her at: or ramonawis.com.