Editing Choir (section)

===Role of conductor===
[[Conducting]] is the art of directing a [[music]]al performance, such as a choral [[concert]], by way of visible gestures with the hands, arms, face and head. The primary duties of the conductor or choirmaster are to unify [[musician|performers]], set the [[tempo]], execute clear preparations and beats ([[meter (music)|meter]]), and to listen critically and shape the sound of the ensemble.<ref>{{cite book|quote=Conducting|title=Oxford Concise Dictionary of Music|author1=Michael Kennedy|author-link1=Michael Kennedy (music critic)|author2=Joyce Bourne Kennedy|edition=Fifth|publisher=Oxford University Press, Oxford|date=2007|isbn=9780199203833|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/conciseoxforddic2007kenn}}</ref>

In most choirs, the same individual acts as the musical director (responsible for deciding the repertoire and engaging soloists and accompanists), chorusmaster (or répétiteur) (responsible for training and rehearsing the singers), and conductor (responsible for directing the performance). However, these roles may be divided, especially when the choir is combined with other forces, for example in [[opera]].

The conductor or choral director typically stands on a raised platform, and may or may not use a [[Baton (conducting)|baton]]; using a baton gives the conductor's gestures greater visibility, but many choral conductors prefer conducting with their hands for greater expressiveness, particularly when working with a smaller ensemble. In the 2010s, most conductors do not play an instrument when conducting, although in earlier periods of [[classical music]] history, leading an ensemble while playing an instrument was common. In [[Baroque music]] from the 1600s to the 1750s, conductors performing in the 2010s may lead an ensemble while playing a [[harpsichord]] or the violin (see [[Concertmaster]]). Conducting while playing a [[piano]] may also be done with [[musical theatre]] [[pit orchestra]]s. Communication is typically non-verbal during a performance (this is strictly the case in [[art music]], but in jazz [[big band]]s or large pop ensembles, there may be occasional spoken instructions). However, in [[rehearsal]]s, the conductor will often give verbal instructions to the ensemble, since the conductor generally also serves as an artistic director who crafts the ensemble's interpretation of the music.

Conductors act as guides to the choirs they conduct. They choose the works to be performed and study their [[sheet music|scores]], to which they may make certain adjustments (e.g., regarding tempo, repetitions of sections, assignment of vocal solos, etc.), work out their interpretation, and relay their vision to the singers. Choral conductors may also have to conduct instrumental ensembles such as [[orchestra]]s if the choir is singing a piece for choir and orchestra. They may also attend to organizational matters, such as scheduling rehearsals,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.liveabout.com/what-is-a-conductor-2456662|title=The Conductor of an Ensemble|author=Espie Estrella|website=about.com|access-date=26 September 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130415012250/http://musiced.about.com/od/musiccareer1/p/theconductor.htm |archive-date=April 15, 2013 }}</ref> planning a concert season, hearing [[audition]]s, and promoting their ensemble in the media.