<P> The conductor typically stands on a raised podium with a large music stand for the full score, which contains the musical notation for all the instruments or voices . Since the mid-19th century, most conductors have not played an instrument when conducting, although in earlier periods of classical music history, leading an ensemble while playing an instrument was common . In Baroque music from the 1600s to the 1750s, the group would typically be led by the harpsichordist or first violinist (see concertmaster), an approach that in modern times has been revived by several music directors for music from this period . Conducting while playing a piano or synthesizer may also be done with musical theatre pit orchestras . Communication is typically non-verbal during a performance (this is strictly the case in art music, but in jazz big bands or large pop ensembles, there may be occasional spoken instructions, such as a "count in"). However, in rehearsals, frequent interruptions allow the conductor to give verbal directions as to how the music should be played or sung . </P> <P> Conductors act as guides to the orchestras or choirs they conduct . They choose the works to be performed and study their scores, to which they may make certain adjustments (e.g., regarding tempo, articulation, phrasing, repetitions of sections, and so on), work out their interpretation, and relay their vision to the performers . They may also attend to organizational matters, such as scheduling rehearsals, planning a concert season, hearing auditions and selecting members, and promoting their ensemble in the media . Orchestras, choirs, concert bands and other sizable musical ensembles such as big bands are usually led by conductors . </P> <P> The principal conductor of an orchestra or opera company is sometimes referred to as a music director or chief conductor, or by the German words Kapellmeister or Dirigent . Conductors of choirs or choruses are sometimes referred to as choral director, chorus master, or choirmaster, particularly for choirs associated with an orchestra . Conductors of concert bands, military bands, marching bands and other bands may hold the title of band director, bandmaster, or drum major . Respected senior conductors are sometimes referred to by the Italian word, maestro ("master" as in "one who has mastered the art"). </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section does not cite any sources . Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (June 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table>

What is the conductor of an orchestra called