What does an orchestra conductor actually do?

Here is my version of an Orchestra Conducting 101 video, I wanted to give you a personal take on some basics about orchestra conducting, from what physical things we need (like batons and scores, and why I can't find a baton that's comfortable grrr), the conducting patterns we show and why, and the difference between the conducting process in rehearsals vs in concerts. Hopefully you'll leave convinced that we have a real job and don't just wave our arms uncontrollably. Also, if you want more specific information about some of the aspects I mention in passing, here are some other videos I've done on conducting: Want to... know more specifics on what exactly we show (tempo, dynamics, articulation, etc)? Can an orchestra play without a conductor?    • Can an orchestra play without a conductor?   have a look inside some of my conducting scores to see what conductors mark & why? Flipping through my conducting scores    • Flipping through my conducting scores: wha...   two very different conductors working on the same piece and how different the results are? Same music, different conductor (Kleiber vs Bernstein)    • Same symphony, different conductor: you'll...   timestamps for the people 00:00 Intro 00:57 What does a conductor need? Conducting batons & scores 04:48 Conducting patterns and technique 09:04 Conducting in rehearsals vs conducting in concert