JMU CONDUCTING WORKSHOP

Part 1: Fri-Sat, October 31-November 1, 2025
(Wind Symphony & String Orchestra)

Part 2: Mon-Tue, December 1-2, 2025
(Symphony Orchestra & Chamber Orchestra)

REGISTER HERE

The workshop offers two options:

• Conducting Dukes! (Participants): 6-8 conductors chosen for each ensemble: Wind Symphony, String Orchestra, and Symphony Orchestra. 3 conductors chosen for Chamber 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 (6-8 conductors chosen for each ensemble: Wind Symphony, String Orchestra, and Symphony Orchestra; and 3 conductors for Chamber Orchestra) will have the opportunity to conduct at least one JMU instrumental ensemble: the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, String 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))

You will receive instructions by October 1 on how to submit online payment for the workshop! Confirmation and payment are due by October 15. Participants should also select their piece(s) to conduct by this date.

Schedule Part 1: Wind Symphony & String Orchestra

Schedule Part 2: Symphony Orchestra & Chamber Orchestra (Rehearsals in Room 1115 in the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts)

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:

• September 25 - Registration closes
• October 1 - Applicants will be informed if they are selected as a Conducting Duke!
• October 15 - Confirmation and payment due. Participants should also select their piece(s) to conduct by this date.
• October 31-November 1 - JMU Conducting Workshop (part 1)
• December 1-2 - JMU Conducting Workshop (part 2)

Conducting Repertoire:

Part 1 (Oct 31 & Nov 1)

Wind Symphony: TBA - Announced by Friday, September 5

• October by Eric Whitacre
• Holst's Suite in Eb for Miliary Band (Matthew Edition)

String Orchestra: 

• Danse Bacchanale (arr. Hoffman); purchase score here
• Yakama Variants (Richard Meyer); purchase score here
• On the Nature of Daylight (Max Richter) arr. for string sextet by Alice Hong; purchase score here

Symphony Orchestra:

• Beethoven's Coriolan Overture, op. 62
• Bedrich Smetana's Ma Vlast (Selected movements):
  • 2. "Vltava (The Moldau)"
  • 3. "Šárka"
  • 5. "Z českých luhů a hájů (From Bohemia's woods and fields)"

Chamber Orchestra:

• Mozart's Overture to Cosi fan tutte
• Gabriel Fauré's Masques et Bergamasques, suite d'orchestre (Selected movements):
  • 1. "Ouverture"
  • 3. "Gavotte"

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. Cicconi at cicco2cm@jmu.edu