As a conductor seeking the experience of working and learning in a chamber ensemble setting, you will establish and develop meaningful and enduring artistic connections under the guidance of a renowned faculty.

Fourteen (6 intermediate and 8 advanced) applicants will be selected into the conducting track. The intermediate track is a wonderful opportunity for those who have studied conducting, but need to either “brush-up” on their skills or continue refining their skills following undergraduate choral conducting classes. The intermediate track is also ideal for those planning to audition for entry into a master’s degree program. The advanced track is most appropriate for those who have studied advanced conducting at the graduate level or those with equivalent experience. Tony Thornton will be the masterclass clinician for the intermediate track and Simon Carrington will be the masterclass clinician for the advanced track. The clinicians will switch classes on two days so that conductors will have the opportunity to work with both workshop faculty members. Each conductor will receive approximately 3 hours of podium time during the workshop! Those at the beginning stages of conducting study are welcome to audit. However, please note that the intermediate and advanced tracks are intended for those who have already completed undergraduate conducting studies or for those with conducting/teaching experience.

To apply for a conducting position, applicants must submit a resume or CV and a sample of their conducting and singing via YouTube link. The conducting sample should contain both rehearsal footage and at least one piece conducted in concert (a non-stop performance of a rehearsal piece is also acceptable), showing the conductor as the focal point. The video should not exceed 20 minutes. The vocal selection should include one solo piece. A folk song, hymn tune, art song, or operatic selections are acceptable. 

The conducting faculty will assign each conductor a piece to conduct in the workshop concert. The workshop ensemble will include eight members of the Oklahoma State University Concert Chorale, the fourteen selected conductors, and twenty-four auditioned singers from around the world. 

Private conducting sessions with Simon Carrington will also be available to conductors for an additional fee. All masterclass sessions and private conducting classes with Simon will be filmed. Conductors and ensemble singers may also schedule a private voice lesson with Jamie-Rose Guarrine for an additional fee.