Big Band Directing/Conducting: What Is That All About?

In a jazz context, the term "conducting" doesn't accurately describe the function of the person standing in front of the ensemble. Perhaps it should really be called ensemble management. Many people who have studied conducting in the classical sense often assume that the same rules apply when directing a jazz group. This just isn't the case. The following guidelines may help you with your jazz groups and give some food for thought.

It is important to keep in mind that the majority of work with a jazz group is completed during rehearsals. When it comes to the concert situation, the director assumes a role which might be considered closer to that of a traffic cop, rather than a conductor.

First rule: forget almost everything you have learned about conducting concert bands, choirs, and orchestras. There is very little carry-over. The first difference, no baton allowed. The second rule, get out of the way and let the band play. There are many directors who feel they need to conduct everything. This just isn't the case.

The easiest way to go through the norms of directing/conducting jazz groups, is to divide it into categories of what, when, where, why, and how. We already know who, and that is you!

What

In the final analysis, there are very few things in jazz which require any conducting. In the performance setting, the ensemble should function well without the director constantly conducting. Naturally, you have to get the group started, and that means a count- off. Depending on the style and tempo, you will conduct more or less. For example, ballads should have more give and take in the tempos, sort of elastic time, and therefore require more conducting through the changes. If a tune doesn't change tempo after the ensemble is playing, the students really don't require any more conducting. There are certain events which need to be conducted, but the majority of the time will be spent listening.

The major function of the director is to count-off tempos and cutoff the last pause (in other words, get them started and then get them stopped). In between those two functions, not much is required in terms of actual time conducting. You need to conduct tempo changes, cues, open...