Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for performances
- Arrive punctually and check that equipment, instruments and accessories are at hand
- Foster group cohesion by communicating calmly and supportively with performers during warm-up
- Communicate last minute contingency measures calmly where required and anticipate consequences
- Ensure that warm-up is appropriately brief and balanced, with minimal revision, to assist self and performers to prepare for the performance psychologically, physically and artistically
- Where possible ensure that the warm-up venue is conducive to a positive outcome
- Apply listening skills to ensure that individual and collective tuning of instruments is accurate
- Observe protocols during performances
- Dress appropriately for the performance occasion
- Acknowledge the concertmaster according to stage protocol
- On arrival at the podium acknowledge the audience with a bow
- Observe performers to ascertain and expedite performance readiness
- Observe audience for performance readiness and delay performance for a reasonable time as required
- Acknowledge performers at the conclusion of performances or at other appropriate times
- Acknowledge final applause with a bow or other appropriate response
- Interact with performers
- Make personal preparation and understanding of the score evident during performances
- Communicate musical leadership clearly to performers through demeanour and body language
- Maintain the engagement of all performers and direct energy to achieve performance excellence
- Ensure that overall acoustic balance of instrumental and/or electronic forces is consistent and appropriate
- Apply music knowledge and technical skills to bring out the best in performers and to achieve performance excellence
- Monitor the body language of performers and ensemble members as a measure of their confidence in the conductor/director
- Respond quickly and effectively to performance variations and minimise the consequent effect of any disruption
- Maintain balance between the aspirations of different performers and their functions within the overall work
- Interact with audiences
- Establish effective contact with audiences in line with performance context
- Control behaviour from the moment of entry to final exit in line with performance context
- Direct verbal communication to audience audibly as required to contribute to their overall understanding of works
- Achieve and sustain audience engagement throughout performances
- Maintain responses to audiences in an alert, sensitive and courteous manner
- Evaluate own performance
- In consultation with relevant personnel, evaluate performances against planned outcomes
- Assess own performance for its success in achieving the potential of musical works and performers
- Measure performance against previous performances to assess own development
- Assess performances for potential contribution they may make to future work
- Identify aspects of own performance that could be improved
- Respond to feedback constructively and apply to future work as appropriate