Search

From the 20th century onward, there has been many notable musical and technological developments. These developments have led to the formation of new musical genres and commercial ensembles. The new genres and commercial ensembles have pertinent implications for modern conductors. In addition to traditional forms such as instrumental, choral, and mixed ensembles, modern conductors must be aware of the unique characteristics of the new commercial ensembles. These new ensembles include the film scoring stage, the jazz ensemble, and the worship ensemble. In addition to utilizing the fundamental concepts of traditional conducting, modern conductors must also attain a working knowledge of the unique nature of each commercial ensemble. This study investigates the fundamentals of conducting and highlights the distinctive techniques and skill sets that modern conductors must employ to effectively direct traditional and commercial ensembles. In particular, the ensemble characteristics, performance practices, accompanying technological necessities, and recommended conducting techniques are discussed in detail for the new commercial ensemble types.

From the 20th century onward, there has been many notable musical and technological developments. These developments have led to the formation of new musical genres and commercial ensembles. The new genres and commercial ensembles have pertinent implications for modern conductors. In addition to traditional forms such as instrumental, choral, and mixed ensembles, modern conductors must be aware of the unique characteristics of the new commercial ensembles. These new ensembles include the film scoring stage, the jazz ensemble, and the worship ensemble. In addition to utilizing the fundamental concepts of traditional conducting, modern conductors must also attain a working knowledge of the unique nature of each commercial ensemble. This study investigates the fundamentals of conducting and highlights the distinctive techniques and skill sets that modern conductors must employ to effectively direct traditional and commercial ensembles. In particular, the ensemble characteristics, performance practices, accompanying technological necessities, and recommended conducting techniques are discussed in detail for the new commercial ensemble types.

China's involvement in Africa continues to be a security concern of the United States, and nowhere is China more relevant in Africa than in Nigeria. With the continent's second largest economy, 160 million potential customers, and abundant natural resources, Nigeria is a regional power and China is finding increasing opportunity there. An examination of China's military, economic, and cultural dealings with Nigeria show that China is supplanting the United States as the nation with the most influence in Nigeria. China's and the United States' strategic goals in Africa are similar, but their methods for achieving those goals differ. The United States focuses its African policy on democracy, good governance, and human rights, while China's policy is focused on resources and commerce. Nigeria benefits from the combination of these complementary approaches. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has been slow to react to opportunities presented by China's involvement in Nigeria. AFRICOM's lukewarm policy towards China is inadequate for the dynamic changes seizing Nigeria and the rest of Africa. U.S. security interests will be better served by AFRICOM taking a more active posture towards cooperation with China in Africa., The original document contains color images.