Wind Band Conducting Workshop

Images of people conducting music in various settings: outside, on the Ted Mann Concert Hall stage, and in Ultan Recital Hall.
Highlights from the 2023 Wind Band Conducting Workshop.

From Monday, July 15 - Friday, July 19, 2024 join nationally recognized master educators for demonstrations, discussions, and hands-on constructive feedback related to the art and pedagogy of conducting and ensemble teaching.

Held on the stage of Ted Mann Concert Hall, this five-day in-person workshop is an opportunity to hone conducting skills in a concert band setting.

This conducting workshop offers sessions on the art, craft, and current topics related to the work of wind band conductors and educators at varied levels. Clinicians aim to strengthen gestural communication and partnership on the podium, provide perspectives and tools to enrich and deepen music-making, broaden approaches on the concert experience and repertoire selection, and foster discussions on leadership, rehearsal techniques, advocacy, development, and service in the profession.

Clinicians

Name                        Title
Robert Ambrose Professor and Director of Bands | Georgia State University
Emily Threinen Director of Bands; Associate Professor of Conducting | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | Yamaha Master Educator
Jerry Luckhardt Associate Director of Bands | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Betsy McCann Assistant Director of Bands; Director of Marching and Athletic Bands | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
John Leonard Assistant Director of Marching and Athletic Bands | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
   

2023 Workshop Band Repertoire 

To be determined

 

Tracks of Participation

CHAMBER CONDUCTOR

Four conductors will be chosen by application as Chamber Conductors. The Chamber Conductors will work intensively with advanced wind musicians and Clinicians on one piece during the chamber sessions, receiving 35 minutes of chamber podium time per day. The conductors are expected to bring scores of all pieces to observe and study during the week. Each conductor will perform their piece on Friday evening and will receive recordings of their performance. The Chamber Conductors will also participate in the afternoon sessions as conductor with the Workshop Band for one day, receiving 14 additional minutes of podium time. The Chamber Track is designed for improvement of high-level chamber conducting in addition to large ensemble conducting. Each conductor is expected to play their instrument in the afternoon Workshop Band sessions.

To apply, email a resume and video recording with your face and torso toward the camera (no more than 20 minutes of rehearsal and/or performance) to ubands@umn.edu

Chamber Track Application is due May 1, 2024.

Applicants who would like to attend the Workshop as a Band Conductor, if they are not selected as a Chamber Conductor, should register for the Band Conductor Package first. If needed, you can switch your Track in May.

Registration Deadline for Chamber Track (with approval) is Thursday, May 23, 2024.

 

BAND CONDUCTOR

Band Conductors of all levels will work intensively on conducting with clinicians in small groups and with the Workshop Band. Each conductor will receive 10-15 minutes of individualized podium time for three days and a private lesson with at least one clinician during the week. Additionally, the week offers daily topical sessions, presentations, and activities related to conducting and teaching. The Band Conductor Track is designed for improvement of conducting and teaching at all levels. Each conductor is expected to perform their instrument in the afternoon Workshop Band sessions. One spot is reserved for a Mike Moss Grant Recipient. Registration opens in mid-February 2024.

OBSERVER

Unlimited Observers are welcome to attend all sessions of the Workshop. The Observer Track is designed for any participant interested in learning more about conducting and teaching. All participants are required to play their instrument in the afternoon Workshop Band sessions. Registration opens in mid-February 2024.

 

STUDENT FELLOWS (UNDERGRADUATES)

Designed for undergraduate music education students, this track follows the same format as the Observer Track and provides an opportunity for students new to conducting to explore music education topics.

The full Medalist Concert Band and musicians from Encore Wind Ensemble in a chamber ensemble setting will be present for undergraduate conducting opportunities. All participants are required to play their instrument in the afternoon Workshop Band sessions. Registration opens in mid-February 2024.

 

Session Fees (Packages)

  • Chamber Conductor: $750* (maximum capacity: 4) - Audition required
  • Band Conductor: $650* (maximum capacity: 22) - Full. Registration opens in mid-February 2024.
  • Observer: $275* (unlimited) - Registration opens in mid-February 2024.

  • Student Fellow (Undergraduates) Fee: $225* (maximum capacity: 12) - Registration opens in mid-February 2024.

    *Listed fee does not include additional credit card processing fee.

     

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

A certificate will be issued to all participants at the end of the workshop outlining your track of participation and the number of contact hours. We do not offer graduate credits for this workshop.

Parking (Add On)

Parking is an optional add-on during registration. TBD rate per day for the ramp (unlimited access). Registration will allow you to choose the number of days between 1-7. Most will choose 5 or 6.

If you do not register for parking in advance, the options (without in/out privileges) are:

  • 21st Avenue Ramp ($13 daily max)
  • 19th Avenue Ramp ($13 daily max)
  • Lot 94 ($6 daily max)

Payment is cash or credit card. Note: Non-event rates are listed.

Lodging (Add On)

Lodging is an optional add-on during registration.

Location is Middlebrook Hall on the West Bank. Middlebrook Hall is directly across the street from the workshop location.

All rooms are in air conditioned buildings. All rooms include a linen/towel package. Laundry access, computer lab access, and guest WiFi is available at no additional charge. Summer 2024 Rates are determined in January.

  • TBD rate per night for a double room (room with two people staying overnight)
  • TBD rate per night for a single room (room with one person staying overnight)

Registration will allow you to choose the number of nights between 1-7. Most choose 5 or 6.

Cancellation 

In the event of cancellation, a refund will be issued (less non-refundable processing fees -- approximately 5% of total amount paid). Should cancellation happen immediately prior to the event, we reserve the right to issue a partial refund to help cover no-show costs charged to our department (i.e. parking, housing).

Questions?

Contact the Band Office at ubands@umn.edu