AboutKenneth Renshaw Expertise Answer questions about conducting patterns, performance practice, expression marks and conducting, and basic instrument/vocal practice
Experience
Past/Present clients Adjunct Instructor-Three Rivers Community College, taught over 200 private music students, frequent performer.
Expert: Kenneth Renshaw Date: 6/23/2008 Subject: Conducting in 7/8
Question I understand the typical patterns for conducting in 7/8, but what if the piece is a fast 7/8, like the equivalent of cut time? It seems too fast to attempt 7 different points of a conducting pattern.
Answer Hi, thanks for writing. 7/8 is usually 3/8 + 4/8 or 4/8 + 3/8. Try conducting a waltz for the 3/8 (down for 1, bounce up slower for 2 and 3), then 2/2 for the 4/8 (down with a bounce for 1 and 2, up for 3 and 4). Hope this helps some. I don't run into 7 very often, but I think this would work as long as your band or choir knows what's going on. Write anytime.
