Chorus America is excited to partner with the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), the Cincinnati Children’s Choir, and the May Festival Youth Chorus to present the Children's/Youth Chorus Conducting Masterclass. 

The Masterclass is structured to provide many different kinds of learning experiences during the four-day event. There are three levels of participation: Conducting Fellow, Conducting Associate, and Auditor. Conducting Fellows must apply through a competitive selection process, while Conducting Associates and Auditors are welcome to register at any time.

An independent selection panel chooses 16 Conducting Fellows to work with lead faculty Rollo Dilworth (Temple University) and Duain Wolfe (Chicago Symphony Chorus/conductor laureate, Colorado Children's Chorale) during three 20-minute podium sessions, one each day.

Chorus America's Conducting Masterclass was an absolutely integral part of my success in progressing from a student conductor to having a professional career. —Jason W. Harris, Director of Choral Ensembles, Oberlin College Conservatory of Music

The Fellows will conduct a variety of repertoire while working with three different ensembles, including a children's training choir, a youth choir, and Bel Canto, the Cincinnati Children's Choir's advanced touring choir. In addition, the Fellows receive video footage of their podium session and immediately begin a 20-minute review session where they can watch the footage or discuss other questions or techniques with one of the six private coaches. Finally, the Fellows participate in a series of enrichment sessions, which address topics beyond the podium that are essential to being a successful chorus leader.

Conducting Associates and Auditors are also invited to attend the enrichment sessions and observe all three days of the podium sessions. In addition, Associates are offered a one-hour lesson on a topic(s) of their choosing with one of the private coaches. There are 12 available Associate positions. Auditors may attend for just one day or for the full session.

Repertoire

Fellows will be asked to prepare selected movements or pieces from the following repertoire options:
Bach, St. Matthew Passion (Pt. 1)
Berlioz, Damnation of Faust
Britten, Missa Brevis in D
Britten, Te Deum in C
Britten, This Little Babe from Ceremony of Carols
Orff, Carmina Burana
Mahler, Symphony No. 3
Mathias, Learsongs
Mozart, W.A., Requiem
Byrd, Sing Joyfully
Dilworth, arr., Little David Play on Your Harp
Naplan, Shiru
Papoulis, Panta Rhei
Raminsh, Psalm 23
Szymko, Vivos Voco
Weelkes, Hosanna to the Son of David