Name: ______________________________

Conducting Checklist
Baton-Holding Position

Yes No
_____ _____ Baton held between thumb and index finger
_____ _____ Grip firm, but flexible, not tense
_____ _____ Fingers curved naturally
_____ _____ Palm facing downward
_____ _____ Baton extends almost straight from arm

Preparatory Position

Yes No
_____ _____ Posture erect, poised, relaxed
_____ _____ Stance commanding, positive
_____ _____ Arms raised, easily visible
_____ _____ Baton in position for preparatory beat to follow
_____ _____ Visual check made to ensure readiness of group
Sufficient time allowed for group to get instruments in position, set embouchures, and
_____ _____ generally get ready to perform
_____ _____ Never talks with hands in preparatory position or otherwise takes too much time

Preparatory Beat, Downbeat, and Rebound

Yes No
_____ _____ Preparatory beat initiated on plane with wrist flick
_____ _____ Breathes in with upswing of baton
_____ _____ Prep executed without hesitation
_____ _____ Downbeat straight down in front of body
_____ _____ Point of beat defined with rebound
_____ _____ Wrist action flexible; palm facing down
_____ _____ Rebound proper height (about 1/4 downbeat)
_____ _____ Visual contact maintained through downbeat
_____ _____ Group attack precise
_____ _____ Preparatory beats executed in appropriate tempo
_____ _____ Dynamic level indicated
_____ _____ Style indicated

One-Count Preparation

Yes No
_____ _____ Preparatory position suitable for the prep beat to follow
Name: ______________________________

_____ _____ Preparatory beat executed in an appropriate direction, tempo, dynamic, and style
_____ _____ Inhalation and head nod reinforces prep
_____ _____ Attack is precise and unified

Beat Patterns and Tempo

Yes No
_____ _____ Beats are well defined; ictus is clear
_____ _____ Musicians respond exactly to beat pulsations
_____ _____ Beats bounce off plane of beating located above waist level
_____ _____ Wrist, forearm, and elbow function appropriately
_____ _____ Beats are even and steady, tempo appropriate and consistent
_____ _____ Beat patterns are clear and well defined
_____ _____ Pattern is positioned in front of body (not to one side)
_____ _____ Pattern is proportioned properly (not lopsided; certain beats not overemphasized)
_____ _____ Size of pattern is appropriate for dynamics
_____ _____ Character of pattern reflects the style and expression of music

Divided Patterns

Yes No
_____ _____ Beats are well defined; ictus is clear
_____ _____ Appropriate preparatory beat used
_____ _____ Beats are in tempo, even and steady
_____ _____ Pattern is appropriate for music
_____ _____ Pattern is appropriate for music
_____ _____ Pattern is clear and well defined; subordinate divisions given with wrist
_____ _____ Pattern reflects dynamics and style of music

Cuing

Yes No
_____ _____ Sufficient cues given
_____ _____ Appropriate cues given
_____ _____ Cues given clearly and with facility
_____ _____ Cues prepared
_____ _____ Cues in correct tempo, dynamic level, and style
_____ _____ Cues given with left hand
_____ _____ Cues given with baton
_____ _____ Cues given with nod of head (chin)
_____ _____ Eye contact secured and maintained through the count of cue