JMU CONDUCTING WORKSHOP

Part 1: Thur-Fri, December 10-11, 2026
(Opera Orchestra & Chamber Orchestra)

Part 2: Mon-Tue, May 3-4, 2027
(Symphony Orchestra)

The workshop offers two options:

• Conducting Dukes! (Participants): 5 conductors chosen for Opera Orchestra. 3 conductors chosen for Chamber Orchestra. 5-8 conductors chosen for Symphony Orchestra.
• Duke Watch Dog (Attendees): open to all, NO audition required.

See below for more detailed information regarding these options as well as additional information for the workshop.

This event is free and open to current JMU students to observe.

Virginia Music Educators receive 50% off regular registration fee! Thank you, VA Educators!

The JMU Conducting Workshop offers two options:

Conducting Dukes! (Participant Option)

Selected participants (5 conductors for Opera Orchestra, 3 conductors for Chamber Orchestra, 5-8 conductors for Symphony Orchestra) will have the opportunity to conduct at least one JMU instrumental ensemble: the Symphony Orchestra, Opera Orchestra, and/or Chamber Orchestra!

Each participant will receive 15-20 minutes of conducting time with the ensemble and will receive guidance and feedback from conducting faculty.

You must bring your own scores and batons, and SD cards for Video Recording.

Participants are selected through a screening process which includes review of submitted conducting videos. See application form for video submission instructions.

If not selected as a participant, we invite you to join as an Attendee.

Duke Watch Dog (Attendee Option)

Brand new to conducting or wanting to simply learn more about conducting? This option is for you! As an Attendee you will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and Q&A sessions, as well as attend and observe all conducting sessions. You will gain insights, tips, and information to develop your conducting gestures and rehearsal skills.

You must bring your own scores and batons. Attendee slots are open to everyone regardless of instrument or experience. NO audition or pre-screening is required.

Just sign up! We can’t wait to see you on JMU’s beautiful campus this fall!

Registration Fees (fee amounts differ depending on your participation in one or both parts):

• Conducting Dukes!
  • $200 for either Part 1 or Part 2 ($100 for Virginia Music Educators, must submit verification on registration form (copy of teaching ID))
  • $400 for both parts ($200 for Virginia Music Educators, must submit verification on registration form (copy of teaching ID))
• Duke Watch Dogs
  • $100 for either Part 1 or Part 2 ($50 for Virginia Music Educators, must submit verification on registration form (copy of teaching ID))
  • $200 for both parts ($100 for Virginia Music Educators, must submit verification on registration form (copy of teaching ID))

Registration closes October 1. You will receive instructions by October 15 on how to submit online payment for the workshop! Confirmation and payment are due by November 1. Participants should also select their piece(s) to conduct in the fall workshop with Opera Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra by November 1. Participants will select their piece(s) to conduct in the spring workshop with Symphony Orchestra by March 15.

Schedule Part 1 (Fall): Opera Orchestra & Chamber Orchestra

Wednesday, December 9 (optional)

7:30pm

Attend the JMU Symphony Orchestra Concert in the Forbes Concert Hall

Thursday, December 10

2:30-5:00pm

Welcome & Introduction (Forbes 1115)

Q&A Discussion

Review of Conducting Gesture5:30-6:45pm

Opera Orchestra conducting session with Dr. Omelchenko (Forbes 1115)

7:00pm

Evening social hang

Friday, December 11

9:00am-11:00am

Individual conducting lessons as requested with Dr. Omelchenko

11:30am-12:20pm

Chamber Orchestra conducting session with Dr. Omelchenko (Forbes 1115)

12:30-1:30pm

Lunch

1:45-3:00pm

Wrap-up discussion (topics TBA: topics may include score study, repertoire selection, etc.)

7:30pm (optional)

Attend HolidayFest dress rehearsal in Forbes Concert Hall

Time TBA

Evening social hang

Saturday, December 12 @ 7:30pm or Sunday, December 13 @ 2:00pm (optional)

Attend HolidayFest performances in the Forbes Center Concert Hall

Schedule Part 1 (Fall): Opera Orchestra & Chamber Orchestra

Monday, May 3

10:30am-11:45am

Welcome & Introduction (Forbes 1109)

Review of Conducting Gestures

12:00-1:00pm

Lunch

1:15-2:30pm

Q&A Discussion (Forbes 1109)

3:00-3:50pm

Symphony Orchestra Conducting Session 1 with Dr. Omelchenko & Dr. Cicconi

4:00-5:00pm

Wrap-up discussion (Forbes 1109) (topics TBA: topics may include score study, repertoire selection, etc.)

Time TBA

Evening social hang

7:30pm (optional)

Attend the JMU Concert Band & Symphonic Band concert in the Forbes Concert Hall

Tuesday, May 4

10:00am-2:00pm

Individual conducting lessons as requested with Dr. Omelchenko & Dr. Cicconi (lunch on own)

2:20-3:35

Symphony Orchestra Conducting Session 2 with Dr. Omelchenko & Dr. Cicconi

3:45-5:00pm

Wrap-up discussion (Forbes 1109) (topics TBA: topics may include score study, repertoire selection, etc.)

Time TBA

Evening social hang

7:00pm (optional)

Attend the JMU Guitar Ensemble concert in the Forbes Recital Hall

7:30pm (optional)

Attend the JMU Wind Symphony dress rehearsal in the Forbes Concert Hall

Wednesday, May 5 (optional)

7:30pm

Attend the JMU Wind Symphony concert in the Forbes Concert Hall

Please note the following:

• Everyone must bring their own scores, batons, & SD cards for Video Recording (Only Conducting Dukes need SD cards).
• All participants and attendees are responsible for their own transportation, meals, and housing. Please see below for more information.
• Following the event, you will receive a letter of completion and engagement in the Conducting Workshop.

Important Deadlines:

• October 1 - Registration closes
• October 15 - Applicants will be informed if they are selected as a Conducting Duke!
• November 1 - Confirmation and payment due. Participants should also select their fall piece(s) to conduct by this date.
• December 10-11 - JMU Conducting Workshop (part 1: Fall)
• March 15 - Part 2 participants should select their spring piece(s) to conduct.
• May 3-4 - JMU Conducting Workshop (part 2: Spring)

Conducting Repertoire:

Part 1 (December 10-11)

Opera Orchestra: Reperoitre is Mozart's Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute)

• Overture
• Recitative and Aria (sung in German) - TBA (check back in September)

Chamber Orchestra

• Repertoire is TBA (check back in September)

Part 2 (May 3-4)

Symphony Orchestra

• Repertoire is TBA (check back in September)

Directions, Lodging, Dining, & Parking Information:

• Directions to Harrisonburg
• Directions to Forbes Center for the Performing Arts (parking in Warsaw Parking Deck)
• Dining in Harrisonburg
• Dining on JMU's Campus
• Lodging in Harrisonburg

All participants will be parking in the Warsaw Parking Deck (directions above). Information about parking will be emailed out to participants.

Flying into Virginia? Check out nearby airports Charlottesville (1-hour drive away), Richmond (2-hour drive away), Shenandoah Valley Airport (small regional airport, 30 mins away), or Dulles International Airport (in D.C., 2-hour drive away).

Questions? Contact Dr. Omelchenko at omelchkl@jmu.edu