What not to do

So I've been on tour with the University Singers for the past week. We toured all down the east coast and then up to Montreal for a night, performing 3 concerts a day. While I was on tour I actually realized what I could write about that would apply to the topic that Ed gave us. We have a student conductor who is graduating this May and she is a nightmare. She is one of the rudest, most ignorant people I've ever met, and she is constantly screaming at us when we are rehearsing her song. Just because she doesn't like one or two of the singers she takes it out on the whole group. In a professional setting, when you dislike a student you can never treat them differently or react in a completely explosive way. Many of the singers are going to be teachers and we have discussed this before. She is a perfect example of what not to do.

Oppositely, we have another assistant conductor who is so nice and a pleasure to sing for. He never yells and obviously has a real passion for music. He could not be more on the other end of the spectrum from our female conductor. He is everything that I hope to emulate as a teacher.

Our primary conductor, Dr. Dennis Cox, is probably one of the most influential people in my life. He is, I believe, the greatest teacher I have ever come across. Not only is he absolutely brilliant at what he does, but he is so willing to help his students and teach them about music, not just conduct a piece. Everyone in singers respects him and looks up to him. I hope that someday I can be just like him, and teach with the grace that he does.