Practise conducting the basic time patterns 4/4 3/4 2/4 6/8 at various common tempos, using a metronome.
If you have a recording of the piece you can listen to it several times, probably focusing on different aspects, or sections, or instruments, each time. If you can watch a live and/or recorded performance of someone conducting that piece pay attention to what they do, when, how, and why.
If you only have the sheet music to work from you can still..
Preview the music -
form,
style,
tempo,
time signatures (especially any changes),
key signatures (any changes),
What instruments are used (especially percussion and any unusual instruments),
important cueing spots (and consider where those players will be sitting/standing)
potentially problematic bits,
dynamic changes,
articulation markings,
repeated sections, coda's etc
anything else of note
Introducing the piece to the band
-Hollistic overview
-The composer's intentions
- how the piece might fit into an overall program
Possibly work backwards, section by section, so that each time the band plays it is moving to an area of strength that it is more familiar with.
In advance, think about ways to give praise and keep the mood positive as the group grapple with the unknown charts. What are some positive ways to be critical for improvement, whilst still being encouraging. (perhaps drawing attention to good sections, parts that are improving, and positive ways that the difficult sections can be improved - Don't give too many suggestions at once. Focus on one or two main areas to improve on, then as the group overcomes those problems mention the next most important ones to focus on). Don't fall into the habit of always stopping to correct every small mistake - Allow the musicians to make a few, so that they can learn to self correct, and it also keeps the rehearsal moving for the rest of the group if there are not too many stops. Let the music flow, unless really necessary. Sometime just make a reminder comment at the end of the playing. Often the players will be aware of what they need to improve. perhaps at times ask for their imput, suggestions for what can be improved and how. Also to keep the mood positive ask them to mention what the positives were/are - They may even come up with some you didn't think of!
There may be times when you can get a section to play their part so that you can focus on them directly. Don't spend too long, if the rest of the band is waiting, doing nothing.
Talk to other conductors about what they do and why. Ask them any questions you have. Read about how to conduct. Watch other conductors. Borrow ideas that suit what you are doing /or trying to achieve.
Practise.
Have fun with it. You will soon be sharing the joy of music with others. Good luck!
(c) Tim Smyth
PS. When you want to get even better try videoing your conducting, and see what you can improve on. Also there are conducting courses that you can do. Music teachers, music stores, local bands, and the internet are all probable good starting points to find out more information. Enjoy!
