Figure 1.27

Measure, Bar lines, Double bar line, Final bar line

Within measures, specified beats received greater of lesser accentuation, referred to
simply as “

strong

” or “

weak

” beats. This perception is based upon how the relative

strength of beats is perceived in a given time signature.

Figure 1.28

Sample Time Signatures and Beat Accents

Conducting Patterns

As performers, as teachers, and as potential ensemble leaders, all musicians must
have a basic understanding of typical conducting patterns. In conducting, the terms

arsis

and

thesis

will be encountered. In this context, synonyms for these terms are

“

upbeat

” (preparatory beat) and “

downbeat

” (commencement beat). The common

conducting patterns are shown in

Figure 1.29 "Two-Pattern"

through

Figure 1.33

"Six-Pattern"

.

The Basic Two-Pattern: for example any simple duple or compound duple time
signature. When practicing this, think “away (from the body)-up, away-up…

Chapter 1 The Elements of Rhythm: Sound, Symbol, and Time

1.3 Music Notation Practices

33