Northeast Wind Conducting Symposium

The Ithaca College Northeast Wind Conducting Symposium has existed for more than 20 years and has benefited hundreds of conductors and music educators.

Past guest clinicians have included Frank Battisti, Richard Clary, James Croft, Richard Floyd, Arnald Gabriel, Jerry Junkin, Craig Kirchhoff, Tom Lee, Anthony Maiello, Allan McMurray, Steve Peterson, H. Robert Reynolds, Mallory Thompson, and John Whitwell.

Guest clinicians work along with Daniel Cook, Ithaca College Director of Bands. Together, these conductor/teachers lead conducting feedback sessions, presentation sessions, and discussions about topics of interest to wind conductors at all levels including repertoire, rehearsal techniques, national standards, score study, and ideas for philosophical and musical growth.

Monday, July 8, 2024

12:30-1:00 pm – Registration and Check In (4th Floor, McHenry Lobby)

1:00-1:45 pm – Opening Session Clinic Session with Dr. Cook (Nabenhauer Recital Room)

2:00-2:45 pm – Clinic Session with Prof. Fettig (Nabenhauer Recital Room)

3:00-4:30 pm – Rehearsal Demonstration Lab with Dr. Cook and Prof. Fettig (Ford Hall)

4:30-4:45 pm – Break, Transition

4:45-5:30 pm – Q&A, debrief, frame tomorrow’s activities (Nabenhauer Recital Room)

6:00 – Optional (but encouraged!) Social Outings! Each evening we visit sights of Ithaca, which include hip restaurants, natural scenery (Cayuga Lake, various waterfalls), and/or local wineries.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday - July 9, 10, 11, 2024

8:30-9:15 am – Coffee, movement fundamentals, goal setting for the day (Nabenhauer Recital Room)

9:15-10:15 am – Interactive Sessions with Theater and Dance faculty (Nabenhauer Recital Room)

10:15-10:30 am – Break, Transition

10:30 am-12:00 pm – Small Ensemble Conducting Sessions (Nabenhauer, Ford, and IRR)

12:00-1:30 pm – Lunch

1:30-3:30 – Large Ensemble Conducting Sessions (Ford Hall)

3:30-3:40 pm – Break

3:40-5:00 pm – Large Ensemble Conducting Sessions Continue (Ford Hall)

5:00-5:15 pm – Break, Transition

5:15-5:45 pm – Discussion, debrief of the day, Q&A (Nabenhauer Recital Room)

Evening – Optional (but encouraged!) Social Outings! Each evening we visit sights of Ithaca, which include hip restaurants, natural scenery (Lake Cayuga, various waterfalls), and/or local wineries.

Friday, July 12, 2024

8:30 am-12:00 pm – Large Ensemble Conducting Sessions (Ford Hall)

12:00-1:00 – Lunch (On the Quad, McHenry Lobby in case of rain)

1:00-1:45 – Final Debrief (Outside by Dillingham Fountains if beautiful weather, Nabenhauer Recital Room if rain)

Participants – $565 | Auditors – $235

Register before Feb. 1 for the 'early applicant special.' Rates increase after this!

Participants receive the comprehensive experience and participate in all sessions fully. This track is limited to 24 individuals and filled on a rolling basis.

Auditors attend and benefit educationally from all sessions, but do not conduct in the full ensemble setting. These individual do still conduct in the small group settings, movement sessions, fundamentals sessions, etc. This track is unlimited.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Those admitted will be emailed by Dr. Cook confirming acceptance with a link to continue with the payment process. Once your payment is processed, you will receive confirmation of your participation in the Symposium. 

Ithaca College is an Institute of Higher Education authorized to offer CTLE credit to teachers who attend Ithaca College-sponsored professional development activities that meet the requirements for CTLE credit under Subpart 80-6 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. This credit may be used for certificate/licensure renewal.

This credit comes at no additional cost to attendees (regardless of track - participants and auditors).

More information will be distributed to those music educators interested in utilizing this workshop for credit.

Repertoire for 2024 will be announced during the spring semester.

The ensemble will consist of all of the participating conductors and observers, augmented by Ithaca College performers. We recognize that you may have 'band director chops' - and that is ok! This is why we supplement the ensemble. Regardless, playing in the ensemble is an important part of your growth. By observing your fellow conductors as you are performing for them, you make connections regarding what 'works,' which is very valuable when it is your time to take the podium.

Travel Information

We have gathered resources to assist you as you plan your travels. For anyone looking for even more information, we recommend you check the Visit Ithaca website (https://www.visitithaca.com/)

Housing

More information about group hotel rates will come in early 2024. There may also be the opportunity to stay on campus in dorms at a reduced rate.

Airports

Travelers flying to Ithaca will have three choices:  Ithaca Tompkins International Airport, the nearby Elmira Corning Airport, and the larger Syracuse Hancock International Airport located about 70 minutes from Ithaca. We encourage you to compare prices and flight availability at all three facilities to see what best suits your budget and schedule.

Buses

For those attendees who wish to travel by bus Our Bus, Greyhound, and Shortline/Coach USA operate buses into Ithaca from a variety of cities, including daily service to/from NYC. 

Ground Transportation

A variety of vehicle rentals, taxis and shuttles are available while in town. Vehicle rental companies include Avis (607) 257-0456, Enterprise Rent-a-Car (607) 275-9000, Hertz (607) 257-8677, National Car Rental (607) 272-2575, and Budget Car Rental (607) 257-1780. Taxi and ride share companies include Collegetown Cab (607) 588-8888, Ithaca Dispatch (607) 277-8234, Executive Limousine & Sedan (607) 753-9180, Uber, and Lyft.                           

This is quite possible! As we get closer to the Symposium, we will ask to see if attendees are interested in this. help pair those