Conducting

Conducting is the act of directing a music performance by way of visible gestures. Orchestra, choir, concert band and other musical ensemble often have conductors. The principal conductor of an orchestra or opera company is sometimes referred to as a music director or chief conductor, or by the ''German'' word, kapellmeister. Conductors of choir are sometimes referred to as choral director, chorus master, or choirmaster, particularly for choirs associated with an orchestra. Conductors of military band and other bands may hold the title of bandmaster. Respected senior conductors are sometimes referred to by the Italian word, maestro ("master"). An early form of conducting is cheironomy, the use of hand gestures to indicate melodic shape. This has been practiced at least as far back as the Middle Ages. In the Christian church, the person giving these symbols held a staff to signify his role, and it seems that as music became more rhythm involved, the staff was moved up and down to... full article at wikipedia