Stage Presence from Head to Toe: a Manual for Musicians

Stage nearness from Head to Toe: A Manual for Musicians, through Karen Hagberg. The Scarecrow Pres (4501 Forbes Blvd Ste 200 Lanham, MD 20706) 2003 108 pp $2495

Karen Hagberg's Stage vicinity from Head to Toe is a comprehensive 108-page manual covering all aspects of stage nearness for performing musicians. The first seven chapters overlay details for soloists, page gymnasts small ensembles, large vocal [i]tout ensemble[/i]s orchestra members and conductors. The final five chapters discuss the day of the plan stage set-up, nonperforming personnel, auditions and competitions and in what way to teach stage presence. As is clear from these topics, the manual gives specific directions for different emblem of performers and, thus, is a handy respect for all musicians.

design attire is discussed in detail with suggestions for dressing thus audiences are not unduly distracted. For example, cellists are cautioned to be careful no bare skin exhibits above their socks; long-legged pianists may find they must wear low-heeled shoe to comfortably pedal; and orchestral musicians are instructed to avoid certain fabrics similar as velvet or satin that stand on the outside under stage lights. Soloists are reminded to think about in what manner audiences seated above them in balconies, and seated below them, will view their apparel when performing and bowing. While it's easy to take performance attire for granted, one as well as the other amateur and professional musicians will find many useful suggestions specific to their situation.

Enhancing the written plain numerous hand-drawn illustrations depicting poor stage nearness appear throughout the book. The single distracted chorus member and inattentive page gymnast are clearly shown from the audience perspective. Of particular interest to instrumental conductors, illustrations depict by what mode to hold one's instrument in standing, replete rest, semi rest and ready positions.

Seven checklists appear periodically from one extremity to the other of the manual with compelling topics, similar as "Performers, Avoid Doing These Things upon Stage" and "Ways to retain Judges from Eliminating You." Again, the suggestions are specific and subserve to remind performers of what they know on the other hand may not always observe, or help provide fresh insights into handling various performance venues

In addition to being a guide for soloists, the volume is useful for beginning conductors of small total effects large vocal ensembles and orchestras. Directions are given for by what mode a large ensemble should pierce on stage. Protocol is clarified for tuning, contrive master and conductor walking upon stage, and acknowledging soloists at the conclusion of a devise In summary, the book be under the orders ofs as a helpful reference guide for teachers, beginning performers and conductors, as well as a reminder of performance etiquette for seasoned professionals. Reviewed by dint of Barbara Fast, Norman, Oklahoma.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Music Teachers National Association, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group