(Amadeus). To speak of Gerard Schwarz musician, conductor, festival organizer, gig hopper, educator, television personality, patron and proselytizer of the arts is to tell an exemplary American story. You could convey it exclusively in cliches, from his industrious emigre parents to his precocious childhood, from his ardor and diligence as a prodigy trumpeter to his meteoric rise as a conductor, from his unforeseen cross-country migration to the gradual construction of a world-class orchestra in a city formerly regarded as a cultural backwater, from the halls of New York City's High School of Performing Arts to the digital instructor's chair of the All-Star Orchestra's Khan Academy course series. You could simply recite the numbers: over 300 new works premiered, over 350 recordings in his discography, 14 GRAMMY nominations, 4 Emmy awards, six ASCAP Awards, and hundreds of other honors and laurels. You could dazzle and festoon and bewitch with talk of truth and beauty and the pursuit of ever-higher forms of artistic expression. Or you could tell it Jerry's way. Behind the Baton is a quintessentially Schwarzian memoir: intrepid, forthright, risible, subtly self-assured, and entirely unpretentious. It offers an intimate inside look at a man whose immense talent is rivaled only by his humility and work ethic a man who, for nearly fifty years, has strived to leave every orchestra and musician he touched better than when he found them. Whether you're a classical music aficionado, an orchestra initiate just cutting your teeth, or an everyday reader interested in the remarkable story behind an extraordinary man, Behind the Baton belongs on your nightstand.

The Man Behind The Baton presents the highpoints in the life of Dr. William Patrick Foster, the creator and director (for 52 years) of the world renowned Florida A&M University Marching "100" Band. This book is a "must read" book, a historical book about the life of the Maestro, the Law, and the Legend.

(Amadeus). Conducting an orchestra is something that is seen as well as heard, but it is quite misunderstood when it comes to knowing what this person actually does for a living. This most mysterious of jobs is brought to life for the music lover as well as for the aspiring maestro in a book by Leonard Slatkin. Drawing on his own experiences on and off the podium, Slatkin brings us into the world of the baton. He tells tales of some of the most fascinating people in the musical world, including Frank Sinatra, Leonard Bernstein, and John Williams. He takes the reader to the great concert halls and orchestras, soundstages in Hollywood, and opera pits around the globe. Mr. Slatkin recounts his controversial appearance at the Metropolitan Opera, his creation and direction of summer music festivals, and a shattering concert experience that took place four days following 9/11. Life in the recording studio and on the road as well as health issues confronting the conductor provide an insider's glimpse into the private world of public figures. Covering everything from learning how to read music to standing in front of an orchestra for the first time, what to wear, and how to deal with the press, Conducting Business is a unique look at a unique profession.

In-text URLs can be accessed via the “Features” tab of the publisher’s website. Conductors face a multitude of hurdles as they strive to obtain a foothold in the professional world. Once they have attained a position, there are obstacles both on and off the podium to keeping that position as well as advancing in the profession. Founding conductor of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, pedagogue, and frequent guest conductor for both pops and classical concerts, Carl Topilow is in a unique position to help conductors navigate their careers. The Orchestral Conductor’s Career Handbook takes readers through the step-by-step process of establishing a career in orchestral conducting. Through his experiences with professional, pops, conservatory, community, youth, summer festival, opera and ballet orchestras, Topilow provides practical tips for conductors of any orchestra type and at any level of their development. Filled with personal stories from Topilow’s career, the handbook provides insights on an array of topics, including applying for conducting programs and conducting positions, connecting with audiences, developing interpersonal relations within the orchestra family, starting your own orchestra, interacting with donors, and beyond. It also presents fresh ideas for programming, rehearsing, and approaches to standard repertoire pieces.

Behind The Baton is for conductors in the world of music education, and/or community or civic band, orchestra, and chorus. With more than 50 years of conducting experience, nationally known composer/arranger Peter Hazzard has always treated his ensembles, be they high school and college students or adults, as professionals. Allowances made for their age and abilities, he gives them respect and expects the same from them. The tips and suggestions offered in this book cover chorus, band and orchestra including rehearsal techniques, programming and the standard set up of a concert program. It is in the spirit of 'paying it forward' that this book was written. Behind the Baton is not only a clever title but is also an indication of the substance and wisdom of the writer. Read, rehearse, reflect, repeat. There is much value here not just for the novice. Veterans will find themselves saying, "Why didn't I do this before?" H. Scott Campbell, Retired Choral Director and Director of Performing Arts - Farmington, CT Public Schools. This book is chock full of great, useful ideas for the beginning conductor. Experienced conductors will get validation for much of what they know already, plus many new ideas. Thomas R. Martin, Musical Director, Conductor, Composer, Educator, Pianist - Keene, NH

When Jake the dog is brought to the theater to watch his owner, chief stagehand for the Philharmonic Orchestra, work, he discovers a special musical talent all his own--stealing the show to everyone's surprise and amusement!