The aquatics center played host to Dr. Romines’ Conducting II class on April 15. The students literally “suited up” as an exercise designed to strengthen the skill of fluid movement while conducting.

“There’s a tendency for novice conductors to move in jerky motions, stop suddenly, and change directions,” said Dr. Romines, assistant professor of music, theatre, and dance.

Doing conducting gestures in the pool helps to promote fluid motion for the conducting students. The resistance of the water in each movement allows for more even motions between gestures.

This isn’t the only method of teaching Dr. Romines implements to help conducting students learn fluid motion. Students also participated in dance, Tai Chi, and mime exercises.

When Dr. Romines originally brought up the idea of having class in the pool, students were “apprehensive,” he said.

After participating, Sarah Woods, senior voice performance major, said she thought it was a fun and unique way of experimenting with conducting techniques.

“Definitely not what I would expect to do for conducting, but it was a great experience getting to practice conducting in the pool,” Woods said.