STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
You never see an orchestra without a baton. But just how important is this “instrument?”
Music directors have been using these thin 12- to 15-inch sticks to conduct since the end of the 7th century and the practice of conducting has become increasingly prevalent to help increasingly large ensembles play together. In addition, conductors use batons to shape phrases and interpret composers’ intent.
Learn more when Sun Valley Music Festival Director Alasdair Neale hosts his Upbeat with Alasdair speaking series at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Jan. 5.
“Everyone has a pretty good idea of the basics of what a conductor does, but I thought it would be fun to go under the hood and take a closer look at all the nuts and bolts,” said Neale.
The talk is being livestreamed on the Festival’s website and YouTube Channel at https://www.svmusicfestival.org/