What is the purpose of a "conductor" in a choir?

The purpose of a conductor in a choir is to lead and coordinate the ensemble effectively. This role involves keeping the tempo steady, allowing all members to sing in sync, and directing the overall dynamics and expression of the music being performed. The conductor uses gestures and cues to communicate with the choir, guiding them through the piece and ensuring that all voices blend harmoniously and expressively.

This role is critical in a performance setting where multiple voices must work together as one cohesive sound. While the conductor may have a good understanding of vocal techniques and arrangements, their primary responsibility revolves around orchestration in real-time, guiding the performance rather than teaching individual techniques or composing music. Overall, the conductor embodies the artistic vision of the choir, translating the written score into a shared musical experience.