Timothy Stalter

Have you ever wondered what exactly a conductor does when he/she stands on a podium and waves his/her arms? How much does a conductor actually affect the music being made? What preparation does a conductor undergo in order to bring a composition to fruition? The most important aspect in the work of a conductor is a vivid, mental-aural image of the composition. Without this, time is wasted, energy worthlessly expended, and the composition in performance is not transported to a higher plane. This session will explore what Dr. Stalter does from the moment he privately peruses a score to his appearance on stage with an ensemble. Members of The University of Iowa’s premier ensemble, Kantorei, will be present to perform varied selections throughout the presentation. Watch as Dr. Stalter changes the sound of the choir communicating his intentions without a word, entirely through his gestures. Learn to understand the power of physical gesture and how a vivid, mental-aural image drives these gestures.