Student Conductor Project

Over the past year we have been encouraging our members at South West Surrey Youth Orchestra (SWSYO) to try their hand at conducting. In the summer term of 2023 our ensemble lead, Gill Underwood-Hayes, ran an Open Podium evening, where a set of student volunteers came and tried wielding the baton.

There were some very exciting moments! As a wonderful consequence of this event, one of SWSYO members, Toby, who has been volunteering at South West Winds, agreed to try conducting in the rehearsals. Toby was so good at it that he was asked if he would like to conduct a piece in the Christmas Concert in 2023.

Gill said 'It has been fantastic to see a young musician flourish and develop some new skills and Toby has been invited to conduct a piece each term.'

Toby has reflected on his experience:

What has it been like to be a student conductor?

It has been amazing fun teaching people to play their instruments more confidently in an orchestral environment. Conducting South West Winds, in particular, has been especially interesting for me, as I play the French horn, so I know more about brass and woodwind instruments. It has been an incredible experience.

What skills have you learned?

I have learned to conduct in different ways and put more emotion into what I conduct instead of just waving my arms around vaguely in the air to the beat! I have also learned to help people to play their instruments in an orchestral setting without overpowering everything else that is going on. It has also been useful to learn about different instruments with different areas of expertise.

What have you most enjoyed about conducting?

I have really enjoyed finding out how all the different instrument parts work together, which you don't get to see when you are only playing one instrument. I have enjoyed standing at the front of an orchestra and like the slight feeling of unease at the start of concerts when I know that everyone is looking and making sure you don't mess up. It has all been an amazing experience and has helped me get to the end of my bronze DofE.

Surrey Arts would like to congratulate Toby on such amazing work with South West Winds.