Reading the patterns
Every pattern starts with beat 1 coming straight down, so the band can always find the downbeat. The last beat of the measure goes up, ready for the next beat 1. The beats in between move across the conductor's body or out to the side:
- 2/4: down, up.
- 3/4: down, out to the right, up.
- 4/4: down, across to the left, out to the right, up.
- 6/8: down, left, left, right, right, up.
Left and right here are the conductor's own. The conductor faces you, so from your seat in the band the pattern looks flipped: the baton hand is on your left. Cut time (2/2) uses the same two-beat pattern as 2/4, with each beat a half note. See how cut time works.
Where the beat is
The beat is the instant the baton stops at the bottom of each stroke and bounces, called the ictus. Play with that bounce, not when the baton starts to move. Turn on the metronome and watch for a while: the click and the bounce line up.
6/8 in six or in two
The 6/8 pattern here beats all six eighth notes, so its tempo counts eighth notes (the unit shows ♪ BPM). Conductors use it for slow 6/8. In a fast 6/8, like a march, they beat in two instead, one beat for each dotted quarter, with a pattern that looks like 2/4. Counting 6/8 and 3/4 explains the difference.
Practicing with the conductor
Start slow, around 60, with the metronome on. Say the beat numbers out loud as the baton lands. Then count a few rests along with the pattern, the way you would in rehearsal, and see if you come in on the right beat. To learn to conduct the patterns yourself, use your right hand and move it the same way the conductor's right hand moves: when it goes out to its right, your hand goes out to your right.