EVALUATION OF THE CHOIR CONDUCTOR’S FACIAL GESTURES IN TERMS OF PERFORM ON CHORISTS

Abstract

Choir conduction approaches and studies evaluated with the musical expression and gestures analyzed in an aesthetic level
draw attention to the effects of facial gestures on vocal production while communicating with the choir. Choir performances
take place as an environment that the composer conveys his/her intention to the audience through a conductor and a choir. In
order to create an artistic expression, evaluate the composer’s musical choices and interpret the song with an individual
understanding, a conductor’s use of effective gestures and facial expressions as a communication ability cause positive musical
effects on vocal use in a choir. In this research, analyzing the effects of conductor’s use of various facial expressions on the
vocal expression of chorists’ is aimed. The effects of the conductor’s use of conducting methods with facial expressions such
as “Closed Mouth”, “Open Mouth”, “Smiling” and “Angry”, while performing the song Evening Rise, are analyzed in terms
of articulation, motivation and expression parameters. In this research, “Single Group Post Test” model is used and semistructured interview technique is implemented to the chorists at the end of their performances. As a result of the research, it is
found that the conductor’s facial movements have effects on musical criterion such as motivation, expression and articulation
on chorists.