Ok, so, forgive my rather blunt mixing two of my obsessions...
...Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
I guess I can't help myself since my 9-year-old is currently reading book 7 for the first time, and we usually read together.
On to the point of my appearance in your inbox this morning.
Here we have the 3rd and final of Mr. Carson's conducting tips for Sacrament Meeting music leaders.
This last one, while usually taking up most of a conductor's focus...
...while important...
...is only one small part of the equation.
Without the 1st of Mr. Carson's tips, the bushy eyebrows secret (see here if you missed it)...
...or the 2nd, all-important "preparation" technique (see here if your missed it)...
...this 3rd gesture wouldn't really matter much at all.
But when all 3 combine...
...they become like the Deathly Hollows of getting attention and beginning the congregational singing with an almost magical proficiency.
You'll become Master of Deathly-accurate hymn starting.
It's rather simple.
All it takes is a look back at our pendulum exercise (see here if you missed that one)...
...and a simple little finger flick.
Like flicking a drop of water off the tips of your fingers.
Once you're poised and ready to begin...
...you step through the "preparation" gesture from yesterday, and then apply the pendulum motion directly towards the first beat on which the singing occurs.
And with that magical water-droplet flick...
...you give the very first beat of the hymn.
See how Carson gets the job done so simply, effortlessly, and with a great deal LESS ostentation than most conductors.
You see, like too much foolish wand-waving in the wizarding world, which usually demonstrates ineptitude...
...the simple, less showy path in conducting is usually best.
Any more than just enough is quickly too much...
...and too confusing.
And so, I exhort you to stand in front of your mirror and practice.
A little every day.
Before you know it, your little finger flicks will be as powerful as a flick from Dumbledore's elder wand.
And if you'd like some extra help...
...a chance to practice your worshipful hand-waiving...
...I hope you'll consider joining me and a few friends in an upcoming hymn conducting workshop.
It's not official yet, but you can click the link below to sign up for the waitlist.
https://douglaspew.ck.page/6c95a4c00d
In the next few weeks, I'll have my act together enough to make it official.
Until then, keep practicing!
Have a good one,
Doug