Virginia Sada York
2 August 2021
Think of the conductor
In service to the score.
A plan or destination of sorts
But bigger yet –
his job to meld the best performance
From the multitude of players on stage …
A keen ear for music
A strong vision of the piece to be played
A clear ego that commands respect
Yet bends and flows with the force of inspiration
A tender heart that fosters the swell and waves of feeling
A trained technician
Who knows the game but
Also surrenders their own primary instrument to
Tend to the job of synergy and harmony in the team.
The one
Who plays less
Holds more
Attends to the all,
Student of every musical line tone and detail.
Serves the group
Illuminates the heights
Yet is under the influence wholly
Of the force of inspiration
That he does not own.
A good leader is like a great conductor
Servant
Calm
Inspired
Learned
Wise
Visionary
Not controlling
But exemplifying
Coaching
Cajoling
Explaining the
Musical performance
Revealing to all
With delicate precision
Roaringly profound
Art.