ABSTRACT
The conductor–choir bond is a dynamic, symbiotic relationship that is actively maintained by all participants. Choirs should have the opportunity to listen to performances or recordings by contemporary choirs of men and boys, to hear the tone quality. Then, within the bounds of good vocal production, that sound may be emulated. The choir needed the constellation of associations that made up the cultural category of style in order to be able perceive – and thus imitate – the salient points of the demonstration. A conductor's charisma is generally seen to be both indispensable and unteachable. Effective conductors are those who can use this aural feedback to guide their adjustments to posture and gesture, letting the desired musical outcome shape their actions. It is widely accepted within the practitioner literature that good morale produces better singing, that 'the emotional state of the singer affects the sound of the voice'.
