Conducting An American Idol

Posted by Chad Criswell Jan 14, 2007

On the outside, a person watching a conductor direct a band, orchestra, or other music ensemble may think that little skill is required. After all, all the conductor is doing is flapping his arms and pointing! Beyond the obvious physical requirements of the job however, lies a immense degree of work, especially if you are the conductor of a major, nationally known group. In terms of notariety, the television series American Idol does not get any bigger, but until now the show has used nothing but pre-recorded music. This season however, the show's music director has convinced the network to use live musicians to accompany the American Idol contestants. Sounds simple, right? In an excellent article in the New York Times by columnist Nat Charles, the true complexities of conducting a live, nationally televised band come front and center.