May 2 - Wide Missouri
I remember being very frustrated after this day because I felt asd thought no one was with me. Watching the tape, though, I like the line in my conducting, the smoothness, and the (gasp!) control of the tempo. Matt made the point that not being together isn't always the conductor's fault, but when it does happens, it is better to bring everyone together than try to pinpoint what occurred.
Much of the session was devoted to finding a downbeat near m. 50 that the accompanist needs while keeping the choir sustained. Again, watching the video, I saw a downbeat. It was said "All I need is a quarter of an inch.." ... and I thought I saw even more than that. BUT even if it's there and even if you think it's there, I suppose as a conductor you have to give people what they need to be successful, if it's a bigger downbeat, then so be it.
Near the end, Matt suggested doing the entire section in 2 instead of switching to 4. To be honest, I was thinking more of it as a conducting exercise in transitioning between patterns than doing anything very musical. In which case, I feel completely justified in the decision. I do see that the four gets to be a little much when it's mostly sustained notes in the choir.