What is a Conductor?
Introducing KS2 students to the role of the conductor through Gustav Holst’s The Planets orchestral suite, with free classroom resources including video activity, lesson plans and a quiz.
This is part of a Key Stage two series on Gustav Holst’s seven-part suite. If you’re new to Holst, read the Introduction first.
Quick Overview
In this resource on What is a Conductor you’ll find
A classroom video showing students how a conductor guides an orchestra through clear gestures, shaping sound, rhythm, and expression.
To Get Started
- Suggested teaching duration: 10 minutes
(video activity) - Key stage: KS2
- What you’ll need:
– Screen (to play video)
Let’s Meet the Conductor!
Run-time: 3 minutes
Learn what a conductor does with Sir Antonio Pappano, exploring how gestures, the baton, and musical interpretation guide an orchestra and bring music to life.
Listening focus:
- What does a conductor do?
- Why is the relationship between conductor and orchestra important?
- What role do gestures and the baton play?
Explore the Series
Content written and presented by Rachel Leach for LSO Discovery 2026.
