Taking Song Leading to the Next Level

Beyond the Ability to Lead Singing: Conducting

If you’re interested in music or accustomed to singing then it is entirely possible that one day you’ll be asked to lead singing in front of a group. I can still remember my music director asking me to lead singing for our opening Sunday School assembly. At first, I was very hesitant to stand in front of my peers and lead the song. After all, what did I know about song leading or patterns? If I recall, I resorted to the old stand-by, the “sideways figure eight.” Because of this experience, I had the courage to serve on a regular basis as a song leader for our youth group.

In this video, the Carnegie Hall orchestra sets up in the middle of New York City. An empty podium was placed in front of the musicians with a sign that read, “Conduct Us.” Random New Yorkers who accepted the challenge were given the opportunity to conduct this world-class orchestra. The orchestra responded to the conductors, altering their tempo and performance accordingly.

When I saw this video, it reminded me of the first time I was asked to lead singing. Conducting this orchestra looks like a lot of fun! Would you have the courage to do it?