Conducting
Open to advanced undergraduate students through post graduates.
2027 Program Dates
Thursday, July 8 – Sunday, July 25, 2027
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Description
2023 Conducting Students
Conductors receive more than 120 minutes of podium time with student and professional ensembles in a supportive yet demanding environment. Additional classes include: baton technique, score study, professional development, orchestra communication, public speaking, and private video and materials review. Students also attend workshops and seminars, along with observing Wintergreen Music guest conductors in rehearsals and performances. This program is open to four conductors, so instructional and one-on-one time will be at a premium!
Studies Include:
Masterclass sessions on:
Conducting a chamber orchestra comprised of Wintergreen Music Festival Artists
Conducting chorus with Erin Freeman and singers of the Sing with Us! Program
Newly composed works for chamber orchestra, written by LEAD composition students
Conducting recitatives, with a culminating performance by LEAD singers
Workshops on various topics, including:
Score study
Baton technique
Working with your concertmaster
Ballet conducting
Working with your chorus master
Working with sections of the orchestra (winds, brass, percussion, etc.)
A public performance of a chamber ensemble of professional Wintergreen Festival Artists — divided among conducting students
Observation of guest conductors in rehearsals and performances with the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra
Curate and lead public coffee talk sessions, engaging directly with Wintergreen Music patrons
Other LEAD workshops including finances for musicians, working with composers, music business/entrepreneurship, mock auditions, fostering relationships with donors and supporters, and more
Building a composed portfolio including items such as videos, resume, bios, and internet presence
Opportunities to meet and engage with Wintergreen Music donors and supporters
Opportunities to design and implement a workshop on a topic of your choosing
*Student conductors may video all sessions. Please note that videos of professional musicians may be used for self-study and applications only.
Repertoire:
To be announced!
Additional Highlights:
Enrollment for active participants will be capped at four students, creating opportunities for conversation, camaraderie, and collegiality.
Free access to nearly all Wintergreen Music Festival performances (a $900 value).
Beautiful hiking trails, breathtaking overlooks, and free access to the Wintergreen Resort Fitness and Aquatics center.
2027 Faculty
Erin Freeman, artistic director
Nicoletta Moss, assistant conductor & chair of education
Application Requirements
A video (uploaded or linked) of a performance or rehearsal of the applicant conducting an ensemble (orchestra, chorus, band, or chamber ensemble) with the camera facing the front of the conductor if possible. Include two contrasting excerpts if possible.
A video (uploaded or linked) of the applicant singing and conducting the following excerpt. Singing need not be beautiful or even on pitch, but should demonstrate musicality and understanding of the structure of the score:
Mozart — Symphony No. 39 in E-Flat Major, First Movement: 1 - 54
Current resume outlining conducting experience, including any pertinent coursework.
A short statement of interest in the program (around 200 words).
Contact information for one reference.
Video recording of yourself describing a meaningful leadership experience and why it impacted you. 2 minutes or less.
Visit https://app.getacceptd.com/wintergreen for more details.
2024 Conducting Students
Financial Need
Other than the $200 non-refundable deposit, tuition is free for students! If you need additional assistance to help cover the cost of housing, please contact our Education Manager, Brenna Wiinanen at bwiinanen@wintergreenmusic.org to request more information.
Contact
For questions or more information, please contact Education Manager Brenna Wiinanen (bwiinanen@wintergreenmusic.org).