CU Boulder Orchestral Conducting Symposium

CU Boulder Orchestras

Hosted on our beautiful campus, the annual CU Boulder Orchestral Conducting Symposium is designed for the aspiring conductor, focusing on conducting technique and movement, rehearsal strategies, professional development, artistic growth, score study and repertoire.

What is the participant experience like?

From Jeffery Meyer, Professor of Music in orchestral conducting, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music:

“What a fantastic week at the CU Boulder conducting symposium! Without exception, every one of the conductors had significant breakthroughs—it was a joy to teach and learn with them alongside the masterful Gary Lewis, who is a true treasure at CU Boulder College of Music.” 

June 8-13, 2025

2025 schedule of events

2025 Orchestral Conducting Symposium schedule

The symposium will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 8 and conclude at noon on Friday, June 13.

Clinicians

Guest clinician
Lawrence Golan, conductor

CU Boulder clinician
Gary Lewis, Director of Orchestral Studies

Participation

Two levels of participation are available:

Conductor ($750): The conducting participant will conduct in the morning sessions and receive mentoring from the clinicians, as well as participate in the afternoon seminars and lectures. Conducting participants will have the opportunity to conduct works for chamber winds and full ensemble, with over an hour of podium time throughout the week. Only 20 conductors will be accepted, and the positions will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Cost includes instruction and clinician resource material. Housing, parking, transportation and tuition credit are not included. Prerequisite: Bachelor's degree in music and/or music education. All participants should bring their primary instrument and perform in the large ensemble sessions.

Auditor ($100 for one day, $400 for the whole week)
Auditors are welcome to register to attend on a prorated daily basis! Only able to drop by for a couple of days out of the week? This option is for you! The auditor will observe all morning and afternoon sessions. This level of participation is designed for the conducting student seeking to develop, refine, and hone their conducting technique.

Undergraduate students are welcome as auditors. There are an unlimited number of spots available for auditors. Cost includes observation of all conducting sessions, lectures and seminars. Housing, parking, transportation and tuition credit are not included. Auditors are welcome to bring their primary instrument and perform in the large ensemble sessions.

Conductors will be asked to submit a brief conducting video as part of the registration process.

Registration for the 2025 conducting symposium will open on Jan. 21, 2025.

2025 Registration

A deposit of $200 (or full tuition amount, if less than $200) is required upon registration. This deposit is non-refundable, unless conductor is asked by CU Boulder faculty to defer participation. Prior to May 31, refund is in full excluding the non-refundable $200 deposit. Payment in full is due by May 31. 

Please prepare two contrasting works/movements from the string orchestra repertoire list. Additionally, please select one of the “full orchestra” works to prepare.

String orchestra works:
Grieg—Holberg Suite
1. Prelude
2. Sarabande
3. Gavotte-Musette
4. Air
5. Rigaudon
 
Tchaikovsky—Serenade for Strings
1. Beg-C
2. Beg-C
3. All
 
Dvorak—Serenade for Strings, Op. 22
1. Moderato
2. Tempo di Valse (Beg-G)
4. Larghetto
 
Vaughan-Williams—Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis
Beg-4 after E
N-4 after T
W-end
 
Walker—Lyric for Strings
 
Works with winds (strings + piano):
Mozart—Symphony No. 38 “Prague”
Mvt. 1 exposition
Mvt. 2, beginning m. 58

Beethoven—Symphony No. 2
Mvt. 1, introduction + exposition

Due to policy changes with conference services, we are unable to offer on-campus housing. Participants will need to secure their own lodging at a local hotel (a few of our suggestions here) or Airbnb. On-campus dining is available at the Center for Community and UMC Market. These dining centers accept credit and debit cards. 

All refunds will be processed on the card used to make the payment through the registration portal. Prior to May 31, refund is in full excluding the non-refundable $200 deposit. Payment in full is due by May 31. No refunds will be issued for cancellations June 1 or thereafter.

Tuition credit

For an additional fee, conductors may take the course for optional tuition credit through University of Colorado Boulder Continuing Education. The course will be offered as Independent Study Music 5018-750.

2025 tuition credit registration instructions

Contact

Questions? Contact Ensembles Program Coordinator Rachelle Crowell at rachelle.crowell@colorado.edu, 303-492-6584.