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


Join us for the highly anticipated 2nd annual Conducting Workshop held on the beautiful James Madison University (JMU) campus located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The JMU Conducting Workshop is open to all levels of conducting! We welcome music-enthusiasts, current music educators, undergraduate and graduate music students! You can choose to attend either Part 1 (Oct 31-Nov 1) with the Wind Symphony & String Orchestra or Part 2 (Dec 1-2) with the Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, or BOTH, as it fits with your schedule and aligns with your interests. Spots fill up quickly, so register now!

Under the guidance and encouragement of the workshop faculty, participants will receive the opportunity to conduct one of the JMU instrumental ensembles: the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra. 


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!

Participant/Attendee Information

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!

Payment Information

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.

Schedules

Schedule Part 1: Wind Symphony & String Orchestra

 Friday, Oct. 31

 Day 1: Room 142 in the Music Building

3:00-6:00pm

Welcome & Introduction (Halloween costumes are welcomed!)

  • Q&A Discussion
  • Review of Conducting Gestures
  • Laban movement session with Dr. Joshua Borths, JMU Director of Opera

Time TBA

Evening Social Hang!

 Saturday, Nov. 1

 Day 2: Concert Hall in the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

9:00am-12:00pm

Wind Symphony conducting session with Dr. Cicconi & Dr. Omelchenko

12:00-1:00pm

Lunch

1:15-4:15pm

Symphony Orchestra conducting session with Dr. Omelchenko and Dr. Cicconi (with JMU string students & special guest, Tuscarora High School Orchestra!)

4:15-4:30pm

Break

4:30-6:00pm

Wrap-Up Discussion (Topics TBA: topics may include score study, repertoire selection, etc.)

Time TBA

Evening Social Hang!

 Sunday, Nov. 2 (optional)

 Concert Hall in the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

2:00pm

Attend the JMU Percussion Ensemble Concert in the Forbes Concert Hall!

Tickets available here.

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

 Monday, Dec. 1

 Day 1

10:30am-11:20am

Welcome & Introduction (Forbes 1109)

  • Review of Conducting Gestures

11:30am-12:20pm

Chamber Orchestra conducting session with Dr. Cicconi & Dr. Omelchenko

12:30-1:40pm

Lunch

1:50-2:30pm

Q&A Discussion (Forbes 1109)

2:30-3:00pm

Break

3:00-3:50pm

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

4:00-5:00pm

Wrap-Up Discussion (Forbes 1109)

4:10-5:00pm (Optional)

Attend Wind Symphony HolidayFest Rehearsal in Forbes 1115

Time TBA

Evening Social Hang!

7:00pm (Optional)

Attend the JMU Student Composers Recital in the Forbes Recital Hall! Admission is free.

 Tuesday, Dec. 2

 Day 2

10:00am-2:00pm

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

2:20-3:35pm

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

3:45-4:45pm

Wrap-Up Discussion (Forbes 1109)

4:45-5:30pm

Break

5:30-6:45pm (Optional)

Observe the JMU Opera Orchestra rehearsal in Forbes 1115

Poulenc's Dialogues of the Carmelités

Time TBA

Evening Social Hang!

7:30pm (Optional)

Attend the JMU Jazz Band & Jazz Ensemble Concert in the Forbes Concert Hall!

Tickets available here.

Additional Information/Deadlines

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: TBA - Announced by Friday, September 5

Part 2 (Dec 1 & 2)

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:

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

Conducting Workshop Faculty
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Christopher Cicconi

Professor; Director of Bands

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Kira Omelchenko

Associate Professor; Director of Orchestras

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Joshua Borths

Assistant Professor; Director of Opera

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