[Menvi-discuss] Advice on onductor signals during choir rehearsal

[Kelsey Nicolay]

Good afternoon,
I've been away from music for a while, but am once again singing in my
community choir under a new director (much better than the way things
were last time I sang with the group). I was unable to secure braille
music transcription for this season, but am hopeful I will be able to
have my music transcribed for the fall. I am therefore only using the
words which I was able to get brailled. I have spoken with the person
who sits next to me and she agreed to help me with the signals the
conductor is giving for when he wants to slow the group down, cutoffs,
etc. that I cannot see. She suggested maybe having her touch my leg
when the director cuts the choir off at the end of a piece, but I
don't want her signals to draw attention, so is there a standard to
follow for this or can we come up with our own system based on our
unique needs? I've been out of the choir world for several years, so
I'm sure things have changed considerably. My neighbor does a good job
of explaining what the director is doing during warmups when he adds
gestures to encourage a certain technique and will help me when
needed, mainly by having me place my hand over hers as she does the
motion. She also reads the notes to me for a specific section of music
we are working on, but we're unsure how to go about indicating the
conductor's nonverbal cues. Any suggestions on this would be greatly
appreciated.