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Question: What is an appropriate gift to give an orchestra conductor!?
he is an aquaintance (the husband of one of my clients)
and should I give it to him before or after the performance!?Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Gifts for conductors can be a challenge, especially if you don't know them well!.

No boutonniere, at least before the concert!. Conductors won't wear them!. I'd stay away from cuff links, etc!. unless you don't expect him to wear them in performance!. I use very subdued cuff links and wear no other jewelry save for my wedding band!.

I would not encourage you to give your conductor friend a baton unless you know what maker, length, weight, etc!. baton he uses!. I use only hand made batons made by a local retired school teacher because they work well for me!. I give batons that I get as gifts to my students!.

Unless the conductor in question is a household name, why not give him a gift card that he can use to purchase scores, music books, etc!.!? I would really appreciate such a gift, and it's personal!.!.!. but not personal, and it will get used!. You can put it inside a blank card with an appropriate inscription!. Perhaps you can find a good conductor quote!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

If you give him a boutonniere, do it after!.!.!. it can be distracting to the orchestra members if there is excess "bling" on a conductor!.

Many conductors are VERY conscientious of what they are wearing because of that fact!.!.!. cuff links are usually not too flashy, and tie tacks (if they don't wear a bow tie with a tux) are low key, and many don't even wear a handkerchief in their breast pocket because it distracts from their hands!.

My advice would be to send a card and flowers to his dressing room backstage BEFORE hand, or wait until after the performance and throw some roses!.

also, many conductors really seem to dig novelty items- not for DURING a show, but outside of it!.!.!. like unique musically inspired tie tacks, knickknacks for their office, etc!. Since he's just an acquaintance, there is no need to go too crazy or expensive!. Try stopping in a local band instrument store and see what they have as far as novelty pens, paper, etc!.!.!. most carry TONS of this stuff in their retail section and around the register! :)

EDIT: Please do NOT give him a new baton!.!.!. to many conductors, choosing a baton is a very personal thing, and using one that isn't their preferred one is akin to cheating on their spouse! LOL also, because it is a personal thing, if a baton IS given as a gift, it should be from a close friend or colleague!. It's just not good ettiquette, according to my old college music director!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I would say a boutonniere would be OK, I would give him that before a performance so he can wear it for the show and look dapper!.


A gift for after would perhaps be a nice new conductor's baton or carrying case!?
http://www!.thefind!.com/query!.php!?query=m!.!.!.

Don't know if conductors use an old "lucky" baton or what!.!.!.!.A tote bag, or a fairly nice little baton is not too much money!. depends on how much an acquaintance or how valued your client is!.



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A nice gift would be a seal with "Library of (name)"
You should be able to find one at an office supply!.
example
http://www!.newcorporateservices!.com/seal!.!.!.
After performanceWww@QuestionHome@Com

I got mine a musical tie, you know, the ones where you push the button and it sings a song with matching socks, he was a funky conductor, not too serious! :-)Www@QuestionHome@Com

If you need an original gift try http://www!.photoartomation!.com
They also convert ordinary photo into Art!.
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i'm not sure what a boutonniere is, but anyways we gave our band conductor a nice shiny new baton as a present and he really liked itWww@QuestionHome@Com

A new stick thing they use!. A pen or CufflinksWww@QuestionHome@Com