Directors College 2007

Guidance for delegates on video requirements (Non novices)

Please bring with you a video recording (PAL video or DVD)of yourself directing 2 contrasting songs. The video should be shot from the centre of the chorus and should reveal a total head to toe view of you directing. This video will be reviewed during the College to assist in highlighting and identifying areas to work on during your time in front of the chorus on Sunday.

If you wish to be considered for Directing Techniques Practical Assessment as part of the Director Certification Programme, you will also need to include a recording of some ‘compulsory elements’ as an extension to the two song requirement. These compulsory elements will not be evaluated during Directors College but will be reviewed by a panel from the Faculty soon after the College has ended.

The compulsory elements are as follows.

Trainee Level Assessment

1. Direct a short song or part of a song in ¾ time,which begins on the first beat of the bar. You need to demonstrate a clear 3 pattern. You may, if you wish move out of the pattern and then return to the pattern during the song. Please ensure that the video includes your preparation, i.e demonstrating a good stance, eye contact, preparatory gesture the onset of sound at the beginning of the song and the release of sound at the end of the song with facial expression which reflects the mood of the song.
2. Direct a short song or part of a song in 4/4 time which begins on the first beat of the bar,demonstrating a clear 4 pattern. You may, if you wish, move out of the pattern and then return to the pattern during the song. Please ensure that the video includes your preparation, i.e demonstrating a good stance, eye contact, preparatory gesture, the onset of sound at the beginning of the song and the release of sound at the end of the song with facial expression which reflects the mood of the song.
3. Direct a short song or part of a song in 2/4 time, which begins on the first beat of the bar. You need to demonstrate a clear 2 pattern. You may if you wish move out of the pattern and then return to the pattern during the song. Please ensure that the video includes your preparation, i.e, demonstrating a good stance, eye contact, preparatory gesture, the onset of sound at the beginning of the song and the release of sound at the end of the song with facial expression which reflects the mood of the song.

Intermediate Level Directing Techniques Assessment

1. Direct a short song, which does not begin on the first beat of the bar.. You need to demonstrate a clear preparatory gesture and downbeat. You may wish to remain in pattern, or you may wish to move out of the pattern and return to the pattern.
2. Direct two contrasting songs. The assessment process will consider the effective delivery of the following elements of your performance:
   • Posture
   • Facial expression
   • Preparatory beat
   • Onset and release of sound
   • Ictus
   • Clarity of pattern
   • Left/right hand function
   • Independence of non dominant hand
   • Length/contour/flow and weight of hand and arm movement
   • Dynamics
   • Cueing - body and facial
   • Phrase shaping
   • Freestyle/rubato directing
   • Artistry/artistic directing