The position and height of the music stand will vary according to the height of individual conductors. While it is important to try to memorise scores this is rarely achieved (even with conductors who have photographic memories) in the kind of works which are analysed in Part Three. The conventional flat 90° angle of the stand encourages many conductors to sustain a ‘head-down’ position when looking at the score. In my experience as an orchestral instrumentalist this always gives the impression of detachment from the orchestra. With complex works it can leave the performers unaware of the characterisation of their individual parts. In any circumstances and in any repertoire the conductor must retain eye-contact with the players as much as possible. The head should never be lowered to look at the score, only the eyes. Standing too close to the music stand will automatically induce the head to bend downwards. If the stand is angled upwards slightly from the 90° angle a suitable distance will be established and the eyes can look down at the score without the head turning downward (DVD track 1).