Conducting


2024 Program Dates

Sunday July 14 - Sunday, July 28, 2024

Open to advanced undergraduate students through post graduates.

Application Deadline: March 1


program description

Miguel Harth Bedoya, Master Teacher, LEAD Cooperative 2024

Miguel Harth Bedoya leads the program as Master Teacher, assisted by conductor and Wintergreen Music Artistic Director, Erin Freeman. Providing more than 120 minutes of podium time per student plus opportunities for multiple public performances, this program commands a unique position among summer conducting programs. In addition, students will attend daily workshops and seminars, and have the opportunity to observe conductor Louis Lohraseb in rehearsals and performances.

STUDIES INCLUDE:

  • Score study

  • Baton technique

  • Guidance and experience speaking from the stage

  • Observation of guest conductors in rehearsals and performances with the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra

  • Sessions on working with sections of the orchestra (winds, brass, percussion, etc.)

  • Working with your concertmaster

  • Ballet conducting

  • Working with your Chorus Master

  • Masterclass sessions on standard orchestral repertoire with the student string and wind musicians 

  • Masterclass sessions with a chamber ensemble of professional Wintergreen Festival Artists, with opportunity to receive feedback from Festival Artists

  • A public performance of a chamber ensemble of professional Wintergreen Festival Artists — divided among conducting students

  • A masterclass session with the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra

  • Building a composed portfolio including items such as videos, resume, bios, and internet presence

  • Participating in the guided creation of a collaborative, flexible, and cross-disciplinary project that defines the future of our industry

  • Opportunities to meet and engage with Wintergreen Music donors and supporters

  • Time and space for student-led projects with guidance from faculty

  • Custom workshops crafted by incoming students

*Student conductors may video all sessions. Please note that videos of professional musicians may be used for self-study and applications only.


This was one of the most rewarding and wonderful experiences of my musical life. To meet so many amazing musicians and humans and to come together in such an open and inclusive learning environment is something that I value and will treasure forever. Thank you to Wintergreen Music for making a space for EVERYONE and for teaching us how to be better musicians and people in the process.
— 2021 student conductor

Learning from seasoned professional musicians while also sharing the stage with them as colleagues was a unique experience I’ve never seen anywhere else!
— 2022 LEAD student conductor

Highlights include:

  • Enrollment for active participants will be capped at four students, creating opportunities for conversation, camaraderie, and collegiality.

  • Free access to nearly all Wintergreen Music Festival performances (a $900 value).

  • Beautiful hiking trails, breathtaking overlooks, and free access to the Wintergreen Resort Fitness and Aquatics center.

Wintergreen Music has been invaluable to me in my growth as a conductor, especially coming out of this pandemic. The immediate response and feedback of the musicians and the teachers were instrumental to me. These are further enhanced by a wonderful and positive atmosphere from the supportive staff and colleagues.
— 2021 student conductor

REPERTOIRE

Conducting Repertoire (To be announced):

To conduct in masterclasses and performances:

Observation Repertoire (To be announced):

To observe rehearsals and performances of our Wintergreen conductors:


Communicating with professionals in an ensemble through my gesture and my confidence on the podium [was the most significant experience]. Conducting an ensemble comprised of seasoned professionals was definitely a unique experience I am very lucky to have had, twice! Attending the festival and learning from Carl [St. Clair] gave me a drive for what I want to do career-wise that I’ve never felt before.
— 2022 LEAD student conductor

APPLICATION DEADLINES & INFORMATION

Deadlines

  • March 1: Application Deadline ($65 fee)

Acceptances

Decisions regarding admission will be published by March 15 via email from the Acceptd application portal.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

  1. A video (uploaded or linked) of a performance or rehearsal of the applicant conducting an ensemble (orchestra, chorus, band, or chamber ensemble) with the camera facing the front of the conductor if possible. Include two contrasting excerpts if possible.

  2. A video (uploaded or linked) of the applicant singing and conducting the following excerpt. Singing need not be beautiful or even on pitch, but should demonstrate musicality and understanding of the structure of the score:

    1. Mozart — Symphony No. 39 in E-Flat Major, First Movement: 1 - 54

  3. Current resume outlining conducting experience, including any pertinent coursework. 

  4. A short statement of interest in the program (around 200 words). 

  5. Contact information for one reference. 

  6. Video recording of yourself describing a meaningful leadership experience and why it impacted you. 2 minutes or less.

Visit https://app.getacceptd.com/wintergreen for more details.

FEES

  • Application:

    • $65 on or before March 1

  • Tuition:

    • $200 non-refundable deposit (Tuition is FREE!) This fee helps to cover admission to the aquatics center, admission to all Festival events, a Festival t-shirt, transportation from and to the Charlottesville airport, train station, or bus terminal, a meal at a local restaurant and a few pizza nights.

  • Room & Board:

    • Students will be responsible for securing their own housing accommodations and food for the duration of the program. A list of local AirB&B and VRBO will be provided upon acceptance and transportation to local grocery stores will be provided.

Please visit our Applications and Fees page for more information.

Financial Need

Other than the $200 non-refundable deposit, tuition is free for students! If you need additional assistance to help cover the cost of housing, please contact Education Coordinator, Brenna Wiinanen, to request more information.


CONTACT

For questions or more information, please contact Education Coordinator Brenna Wiinanen (education@wintergreenmusic.org).

*details subject to change