Leading a team is like conducting a band: you have to make other people powerful!

One of my passions is playing in a big band. Musically, to me the only thing better than listening to the unique orchestral sound of a big band is playing in one. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of experiencing a wide variety of conductors. There were those that got frustrated if somebody could not play their part, throwing tantrums, and at times even hardware (no joke). Others were genuinely nice and understanding, but the absence of a clear direction often led to rather individual interpretations of what was needed.

About a year ago, Peter John Farrowski , a distinguished classical oboist and singer joined our big band as new musical director and singer. The Swingwerk Big Band is one of those semi-professional big bands that has been kept alive by ambitious volunteers for over 30 years now. For us, the arrival of a new conductor is usually very exciting, yet also makes everyone a little nervous. The musicians usually overcome this initial phase by stating their expectations and concerns upfront. This was no different with Peter. One of the eternal requests is that “we need sufficient time to practice new scores”. Then it’s usually about “how much guidance is needed”, and, in Peter’s case, the band specifically raised concerns about him singing and conducting the band. The worry being that the band would not receive the “needed input” during performances (and ultimately mess up).

Peter politely listened, and soon focused the rehearsals purely on overall sound and dynamics.  Not once did he pick a technically difficult section, even if it was blatantly obvious that some could not play it yet. After a few rehearsals, first demands were made that Peter should be more strict and focus on technique. Soon concerns were raised, that certain arrangements were too difficult and should be removed from the setlist. Throughout all of this, Peter continued to listen politely, but stayed true to his course. He kept praising the bands overall standard, and continued his focus on collective dynamics. Coming closer to the first public performance, some colleagues even asked for additional rehearsals. Peter told them “Don’t worry, you will be fine.” And stuck to the original schedule.

Needless to say, the premiere show went exceptionally well. The instrumental song that some wanted to drop became the audience favourite. When Peter sang, the band was fully capable of backing him without any major directives. And after years of focusing on one program per year only, the band is now capable of taking on new music in (for us) record time, allowing us for the first time to add a once-off Christmas show to the annual programme.

Benjamin Zander , a master conductor with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra , said: “The conductor of an orchestra does not make a sound. He depends, for his power, on his ability to make other people powerful”. Learning from Peter, just what are some of those abilities?

1. Focus on team performance, not individual performance. For an orchestra, it is the collective performance that shapes the overall sound! Yet, the unspoken message to every musician is: you have to bring your best individual performance, too. By focusing on the team performance, he reduces individual pressure, yet increases accountability.

2. Trust in the team’s abilities. With his experience, Peter undoubtedly recognises each musicians individual playing abilities or inabilities. But by not giving in to our fears and instead praising our team performance and qualities, he continuously challenges our individual limiting beliefs. And with each performance, our confidence grows.

3. Do not over-rehearse. The great Leonard Bernstein is attributed of saying that “in order to achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan, and not quite enough time”. I often have seen the power of “show time” both in music, but also in the corporate world. There is often a time, when achieving a goal seems impossible. Yet, all that is really needed is the courage to “go for it”!

4. Let it flow, but know when to intervene. Herbert von Karajan has been quoted as saying “the art of conducting consists of knowing when to stop conducting to let the orchestra play”. Once Peter has given his input, he gives the musicians just enough time to implement. He knows exactly when to step in (again) and when to let go. This gives everyone a sense of achievement, is highly motivating and creates flow.

It is our collective and stated goal as a semi-professional big band to become better each year! Particularly in an environment where all members volunteer their time, to achieve this requires indeed special abilities. By focusing on the collective, Peter has not only motivated seventeen individuals to give their individual best, but also has created a space where the collective outcome is more than the sum of its parts. And when 1+1=3, music is not math, but magic!

If you want to experience magic first hand, the Swingwerk Big Band feat. Peter John Farrowski will remember the great Al Jarreau and his music at the Tonhalle in St Gallen/CH on 25th November 2023. More info under www.swingwerk.at

“Once you discover that you can, then you must!”

Al Jarreau