I was never sure what it is exactly that conductors do, but now I know! Headcanon accepted 😜😁

I mean, in a way they are casting spells upon the group if you consider that every move they make should have a corresponding effect.

Conducting is a very difficult skill, akin to digital music production, but in real time and with meatsacks playing the instruments. It requires knowing how the instruments work, how your ensemble members play and what their tendencies and idiosyncrasies are. All wrapped in actual taste in how to interpret the work. I've worked with some excellent and some dog shit conductors. It dramatically affects the output of the ensemble.