Wind Band Conducting Workshop
Image: (first row, left to right) Gary Hill, Emily Threinen, Jerry Luckhardt; (second row, left to right) Betsy McCann, Lance Sample, Laura Sindberg
From Monday, July 15–Friday, July 19, 2019, join nationally recognized master educators for demonstrations, discussions, and hands-on constructive feedback related to the art and pedagogy of conducting and ensemble teaching.
The Minnesota Wind Band Conducting Workshop focuses on issues that confront instrumental music educators at all levels: artistry, authenticity, technique, rehearsal strategies, repertoire, programming, and audience considerations, technology in music education, advocacy, and more. All faculty clinicians aim to strengthen and broaden participant’s perspective on the craft of conducting and the art of teaching.
Workshop activities will be held in Ted Mann Concert Hall and Ferguson Hall.
The Medalist Concert Band will join us for a rehearsal demonstration session, led by clinicians, on Tuesday, July 16, 7-9 pm.
Faculty & Guest Artists
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Gary W. Hill | Director of Bands, Professor of Music, School of Music, Arizona State University |
| Emily Threinen | Director of Bands, University of Minnesota / Yamaha Master Educator |
| Jerry Luckhardt | Associate Director of Bands, University of Minnesota |
| Betsy McCann | Assistant Director of Bands, Director of Athletic Bands, University of Minnesota |
| Lance Sample | Assistant Director of Athletic Bands, University of Minnesota |
| Laura Sindberg | Instrumental Music Education, University of Minnesota |
Tracks of Participation
Chamber Track
Four conductors will be chosen by application as Chamber Participants. Chamber Participants will work intensively with advanced wind musicians and Clinicians on one piece, or movements from a larger piece, during the chamber sessions, receiving over 30 minutes of chamber podium time and constructive feedback, 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 or movements on Friday evening and will receive electronic video recordings of their performance. The Chamber Participants will also participate in the afternoon Workshop Band sessions as a conductor for two days, receiving additional podium time with a large ensemble. The Chamber Track is designed for improvement of high-level chamber conducting in addition to large ensemble conducting. All participants are required to play their instrument in the afternoon Workshop Band sessions.
Chamber Ensemble repertory to be selected from:
- Octet-Partita, Op. 67 (~1808) by Franz Krommer
- Figures in the Garden (1991) by Jonathan Dove
- Seven Dances (Sept Danses) from the ballet “les Malherus de Sophie” (1970) by Jean Francaix
- Little Symphony for Winds (~1818/2003) by Franz Schubert/Reynolds
ubands@umn.edu
If the video file is too large to email, you may share via Google Drive or send a YouTube link.
Deadline to Apply: March 15, 2019
Decision Notification: April 1, 2019
Band Conductor Track
Conductor Participants of all levels and interests will work intensively on conducting with Clinicians in small groups and with the afternoon Workshop Band. Each conductor will receive 8-15 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 Conductor Track is designed for improvement of conducting and teaching at all levels. All participants are required to play their instrument in the afternoon Workshop Band sessions. Registration is full.
2019 Workshop Band repertory to be studied:
- Prelude, Siciliano, and Rondo by Malcolm Arnold/Paynter
- My Jesus, Oh What Anguish by Johann Sebastian Bach/Reed
- Early Light by Carolyn Bremer
- Elegy by John Barnes Chance
- Old Churches by Michael Colgrass
- Air for Band by Frank Erickson
- Florentiner March by Julius Fučik/Bourgeois
- Lincolnshire Posy (movements I, II, V, VI) by Percy Grainger/Fennell
- Variations on “America” by Charles Ives/Schuman/Rhoads
- The Red Balloon by Anne McGinty
- Chester by William Schuman
- Three Ayres from Gloucester by Hugh M. Stuart
- Simple Gifts: Four Shaker Songs by Frank Ticheli
- Folk Song Suite by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Observer Track
Unlimited Observer Participants 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, but do not wish to conduct in the afternoon Workshop Band sessions. All participants are required to play their instrument in the afternoon Workshop Band sessions.
Register Now
Student Fellow Track
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. Special sessions for Student Fellows will include a Q & A Lunch and private lessons with Clinicians. All participants are required to play their instrument in the afternoon Workshop Band sessions.
Register Now
Schedule
| MONDAY, JULY 15 | |
|---|---|
| 1:00–3:00 pm | Chamber Musicians rehearsal, open for observation |
| 3:00 pm | Registration and Room Check-In |
| 5:00 pm | Introductions and Welcome |
| 6:00 pm | Reading of selected large ensemble repertoire with Workshop Band |
| 7:30 pm | Light reception sponsored by UMN Bands |
| 8:30 pm | Reception ends |
| TUESDAY, JULY 16 | |
|---|---|
| 8:30 am | Movement Session for All Tracks |
| 9:30 am | Coffee and Danish |
| 10:00 am | Break-Out Sessions: – Chamber Track Session – Conductor, Observer, Fellowship Track Sessions with Clinicians |
| 12:30/1:00 pm | Lunch Break |
| 2:00 pm | Workshop Band Session for All Tracks begins |
| 5:20 pm | Workshop Band Session ends |
| 5:30 pm | Dinner Break |
| 7:00 pm | Medalist Concert Band Rehearsal Session begins |
| 9:00 pm | Medalist Concert Band Rehearsal Session ends |
| WEDNESDAY, JULY 17 | |
|---|---|
| 8:30 am | Movement Session for All Tracks |
| 9:30 am | Coffee and Danish |
| 10:00 am | Break-Out Sessions: – Chamber Session – Conductor, Observer, Fellowship Track Sessions with Clinicians |
| 12:30/1:00 pm | Lunch Break |
| 2:00 pm | Workshop Band Session for All Tracks begins |
| 6:30 pm | Workshop Band Session ends |
| 7:00 pm | Optional Group Dinner |
| THURSDAY, JULY 18 | |
|---|---|
| 8:30 am | Movement Session for All Tracks |
| 9:30 am | Coffee and Danish |
| 10:00 am | Break-Out Sessions: – Chamber Session – Conductor, Observer, Fellowship Track Sessions with Clinicians |
| 12:30 pm/1:00 pm | Lunch Break |
| 2:00 pm | Workshop Band Session for All Tracks begins |
| 6:30 pm | Workshop Band Session ends |
| 7:00 pm | Optional Group Dinner |
| FRIDAY, JULY 19 | |
|---|---|
| 9:00 am | Coffee and Danish |
| 9:30 am | Chamber Track starts |
| 10:00 am | Break-Out Sessions: – Chamber Session – Conductor, Observer, Fellowship Track Sessions with Clinicians |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch Break for All Tracks |
| 1:30 pm | Workshop Band Session for All Tracks begins |
| 4:45 pm | Workshop Band Session ends |
| 5:00 pm | Final Remarks / Snacks (Terrace/Ferguson Lobby) |
| 5:30 pm | Chamber Concert conducted by Chamber Track Conductors |
| 7:00 pm | Reception at Local Establishment (Optional) |
Session Fees
Chamber Conductor
Fee: $675 (includes a $50.00 non-refundable registration deposit)
Maximum Capacity: 4
Application & Registration Notes:
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 the address below.
- Deadline to Apply: March 15, 2019
- Decision Notification: April 1, 2019
Registration will open on April 1 and will stay open until April 30, 2019.
Band Conductor
Fee: $550 (includes a $50.00 non-refundable registration deposit)
Maximum Capacity: 22
Registration Note: Registration is full.
Observer
Fee: $325 (includes a $50.00 non-refundable registration deposit)
Maximum Capacity: unlimited
Registration Note: Observer Track is open in February and will stay open until June 15, 2019.
Student Fellow (Undergraduate Students)
Fee: $200 (includes a $50.00 non-refundable registration deposit)
Maximum Capacity: 15
This option is available for any current Undergraduate Music Education Major at a college or university.
Registration Note: Fellow Track will be open in February and will stay open until June 15, 2019.
Registration, Housing, Meals, Transportation and Parking expenses are not included in Session Fees.
Optional Fees
Housing Fees
Registration closes on June 15, 2019.
Middlebrook Hall on the West Bank
Single: see online registration link for rates
Double: see online registration link for rates
Parking & Transportation
Registration closes on June 15, 2019.
Located on the West Bank in close proximity to Middlebrook Hall and Ferguson Hall:
see online registration link for rates
Street/Meter parking: hourly rates
Ferguson Hall and Ted Mann Concert Hall are in close proximity to the West Bank Light Rail Station.
Meals
Participants are responsible for all meal expenses. Light pastries and coffee are provided each morning. A cafeteria is located in Middlebrook Hall, located across the street from the Workshop location. Visitors may pay cash for an all-you-care-to-eat meal. See restaurant guide and restaurant map for nearby dining options. Online registration does not include any pre-paid meal options.
Optional dinner locations are coordinated each night for social engagements, participants are responsible for meal and beverage expenses.