3 replies to this topic

[SevenEight]

Do you think it is better to conduct Take Five in 3 and 2 or just 5?

[Meldog]

I don't know the piece off hand but what's the tempo? Is it two fast to do in a 2 type pattern? If it's slower I wouldn't do it in 3 and 2. I would do an actual 5 pattern instead. Depending on the subdivision you can do the 5 pattern 3&2 or 2&3. I would at all cost avoid doing a 2 and 3 pattern to get the 5. The group needs that strong downbeat on 1 and when doing two patterns you are giving them two strong downbeats. Plus if they look up quickly and see you go down with the baton they won't know if the ictus you are giving is one or four.

[WHSFoster]

We are doing an arrangement of this with one of our Jazz Ensembles. I conduct it in 3+2, because the bass part dictates that. I'm not sure of your arrangement, but take a look at how it is structured, then make the best decision. Or, better than that, ask the kids what would work for them. They are ultimately the ones that need to feel the most comfortable with your conducting.

Foster
Warren Local Bands
www.warrenlocalbands.org

[Mooney]

Take Five has a 3 + 2 feel, but I don't conduct my jazz band except for ballads.