How do conductors decide the arrangement of a piece?

Let's assume you are talking about a major orchestra where they always have enough players for all the sections, and can afford to hire extra people if a work calls for it. The conductor is always be following the exact directions of the composer,... read more

They don’t. The composer decides it, unless there is a separate arranger, in which case the arranger decides it. On some occasions, the conductor actually is the arranger as well. Sometimes different versions of a piece exist, then the conductor can choose which one to rent, buy, borrow, or trade to perform. read more

This arrangement of a conductor on top of an insulator prevents charge from being transferred from the conductive object to its surroundings. This arrangement also allows for a student (or teacher) to manipulate a conducting object without touching it. The insulator serves as a handle for moving the conductor around on top of a lab table. read more