Wind Conducting and Teaching Workshop

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Dr. Patricia Cornett, Assistant Professor and Director of Bands, Temple University

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Prof. Michael Haithcock, Director of Bands Emeritus, University of Michigan

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Dr. Matthew Brunner, Associate Professor and Director of Athletic Bands, Temple University

June 23-27, 2025

The Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University is proud to announce the summer Wind Conducting and Teaching Workshop for conductors and educators of all levels. Sessions will explore physical gesture and its relationship to sound, conducting and rehearsal technique, approaches to score study and interpretation, and repertoire and programming ideas. Participants will have daily opportunities to conduct the Workshop Band (in which each participant will play their instrument), participate in movement sessions, attend topical discussions led by Dr. Cornett, Prof. Haithcock and Dr. Brunner, and socialize and network with each other in the evenings at varied establishments in downtown Philadelphia. Act 48 credit will be available.

About the Clinicians

Repertoire List

Purchase Repertoire

Daily Schedule

Conductor fee: $675 with $40 registration fee
Observer fee: $50 per day, or $200 for the full week

Deadline to request and pay for dorm housing: April 25
Deadline to register for conductor track: June 3
Deadline to register for observer track: June 17

Temple Conducting Fellows

The Temple Wind Conducting and Teaching Workshop reserves four (4) spots for Temple Conducting Fellows who will have the opportunity to participate in the workshop at a significantly reduced cost. These spots are open to any current Temple student, however, preference will be given to undergraduate instrumental music education students.

Honestly, this was probably the best symposium I’ve attended. The participants and clinicians created a positive, welcoming and friendly environment. The wide range of repertoire was great for all levels of conductors and educators.

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2024 Workshop Participant

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I stay?

We have a limited amount of on-campus housing in dorms available (single rooms at a weekly rate). This option is open to you when you register. You can, of course, stay at any number of places in Philadelphia. Popular hotels include the Doubletree in Center City (accessible to campus via the Broad Street Line), and the Conwell Inn on campus.

If you choose to stay in the dorms, it will be a single room at a weekly rate. You can check in on the Sunday before the workshop and check out on Saturday after the workshop. The rate will include linens and WiFi. You will have the option of selecting overnight parking for the week for an additional fee. 

What about parking?

Limited street parking will be available during the summer. There are also a number of lots on campus in which you can park for a daily rate, including the Liacouras Garage and the 15th Street Lot.

Are meals provided?

With the exception of morning coffee and pastries, meals are not provided. There are numerous options on campus for lunch each day, including an excellent selection of food trucks. Each morning we will take a head count of who would like to join the group dinner that evening. A reservation will be made at a Philadelphia restaurant and carpools or public transportation plans will be facilitated.

What is the attire for the week?

Attire for the workshop is summer casual. Try to avoid white shirts or tops with busy patterns as this tends to make the baton more difficult to see, especially on a video. We have started a tradition of “School Spirit Day” on Friday of the workshop where participants are encouraged to wear attire from the school where they are teaching or from their alma mater.

Should I bring my instrument?

Yes! After you register for the workshop we will reach out to ask for your primary and secondary instruments. Most people will play their primary instruments, but in some cases we may request a secondary. For those flying to the workshop Temple may be able to provide access to some large instruments for the week.

What ensemble will I conduct?

The ensemble will be comprised of all conducting workshop attendees, including observers. We will supplement the ensemble with Temple University students as needed. 

Wednesday will be “chamber music day” and Temple students will comprise this ensemble. 

What ensemble set up will be used?

Once our ensemble numbers are established, a set up chart will be sent to you. This usually happens 1-2 weeks before the workshop.

How many pieces should I conduct? How will conducting sessions work?

You will conduct once per day: shorter time slots on Monday and Friday, and longer time slots on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. It is suggested that you plan to conduct one piece or one movement of a piece per day, and you are welcome to repeat a piece more than once. 

You will not be asked to rehearse the group, but you may be asked what you are hearing or listening for. Depending on what the clinicians see you may be asked to conduct longer or shorter passages, or try a section of the piece multiple times. The focus will be on your technique and non-verbal communication.

Each session will be video recorded and shared with you via a OneDrive folder at the end of the day for your reflection. You do not need to bring your own camera or SD card.

Where can I buy scores?

You should purchase scores to any of the pieces you plan to conduct. Many attendees choose to purchase additional scores to allow for options throughout the week or simply for reference. While you are welcome to purchase these scores anywhere, Jeff Girard at Gateway Sheet Music has them in stock.

Purchase Repertoire

Note that large ensemble pieces should be selected for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. A chamber piece should be selected for Wednesday. 

What will happen during the morning and afternoon lectures?

This will vary depending on the day. Clinicians will offer lectures on various topics, mixed with guided discussions and self-reflection. We will also build in time for Q&A, and will collect questions from participants to discuss in the closing session each day.

Is Act 48 credit available for Pennsylvania educators? How does this work?

YES! We are happy to offer Act 48 credit for Pennsylvania educators. You will need your PERMS ID in order to initiate this. You will be asked to complete a short journal entry after each conducting session as a self-assessment, as well as a short survey following the workshop. If you attend all workshop sessions, you will receive 24.5 hours/credits.

This was my first ever conducting workshop and I enjoyed it a lot! Learned much about both conducting and teaching music. The staff at Temple did a superb job putting this on and I'll recommend it to others looking to grow.

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2024 Workshop Participant