Get a conducting lesson from Montreal maestro Jean-Sbastien Valle

What is a conductor doing with his arms?

Montreal conductorJean-SbastienVallesays it's gathering the musical energy of his musicians and then sending it out in same direction.

This he says, "creates a much more exciting performance."

Vallesays it's a common misconception that his exuberant arm gestures are tied to promptingspecific sounds from musicians.

"Even conductors sometimes don't fully understand what we are supposed to do," says Valle.

He also says that, in the last 15 years, the conductor's role has also evolved to include a lot of off-stage work.

"We have to deal with the political part, with the media part, with making sure people understand what we try to do."

But what is a conductor doing with his arms?

Valle, who conducts the annual CBCSing-In, has a few key gestures that he uses on stage to help him communicate with his players.

• Listen to the 2018 CBC Christmas Sing-In
• Enjoy these photos from the 2018 CBC Christmas Sing-In

Starting and stopping

When Valle wants his singers to start, he moves his hand down in a chopping motion.

To get his singers to stop singing he does aclockwise gesture with his hand.

Volume

To get the choir to sing louder he expands his arms outwards. To have the choir sing quieter he moves his hands in the opposite motion.

Tempo

Valle controls the tempo by using what he calls a 'conducting pattern.' For example, in a piece of music with four beats in a bar, there is a specific gesture for each beat in the song.

Valle says becoming a conductor is about learning "how to make a group sound its best."

He adds that CBC'sannual Sing-Inconcert is his favourite time of year.

"It's really unique to be in front of so many singers both in front of me and behind me. It's a really powerful sound that makes your hold bodyvibrateand get excited to hear all that wonderful music."

Conducting 101, with Jean-Sbastien Valle

6 years ago

Duration 1:34

The CBC Montreal Sing-In is almost here...but what is the conductor doing with his arms? Maestro Jean-Sbastien Valle explains.

The CBCChristmas Sing-In concert can be heard on Christmas Day at 12 p.m. onCBCRadio One (88.5 FM in Montreal) and 4 p.m. onCBCMusic (93.5 FM in Montreal,104.7 FM in the West Island). Julie Nesrallah will host the national broadcasts.

It will also be heard on Dec. 25 at 2 p.m. on ICI Musique classique, Radio-Canada's classical web radio service.

The completeCBCChristmas Sing-Inis also available for online streaming atCBCMusic.ca/SingIn.