Conducting and Rehearsal Techniques Workshop
| Course code: | 26-SS-290 |
|---|---|
| Dates: | February 27-28, 2026 Alternate Course Dates |
| Meets: | F and Sa from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, 2 sessions |
| Hours: | 10.50 |
| Location: | VCU W.E. Singleton Center B40 |
| Instructor: | Instructor Information |
| Fee: | $199.00Fee Breakdown |
Description
Hosted on the VCU campus, the Conducting and Rehearsal Techniques Workshop offers a two-day immersive experience for instrumental music educators and advanced collegiate musicians seeking to enhance their conducting and ensemble leadership skills.
Participants will work directly with guest clinicians Don Scholefield of the U.S. Air Force Band and Dr. Terry Austin, Director Emeritus of Bands at VCU. Through interactive sessions, participants will conduct the VCU Wind Ensemble, receive individualized feedback from the clinicians, and attend workshops designed to strengthen rehearsal effectiveness and instructional approaches.
This professional development opportunity is ideal for current music educators and upper-level collegiate students preparing for careers in music education.
Observer Registration – Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, observers will be able to:
- Identify effective conducting and rehearsal techniques demonstrated by clinicians and peers.
- Analyze how conductor leadership and communication influence ensemble performance.
- Reflect on best practices to strengthen their own rehearsal and teaching approaches.
Participant Registration – Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate expressive conducting gestures that improve ensemble communication and performance.
- Apply rehearsal strategies to build ensemble precision, efficiency, and musicianship.
- Incorporate clinician feedback to refine conducting and rehearsal techniques.
- Develop a plan for continued growth in conducting and instructional practice.
Notes
Registrations will be accepted through February 23, 2026. Early registration fees will be available through February 15, 2026.
VCU alumni, VCU students, VCU employees, and active-duty military/veterans are eligible for 10% off the registration fee. Discounts may not be combined with any other offers and must be applied during the registration process. To request the discount code, contact Shelly Schuetz, ssschuetz@vcu.edu
Observer OptionIdeal for educators, students, and musicians seeking insight into conducting and ensemble leadership.
- Observe all conducting sessions and clinician feedback
- Participate in discussions and Q&A
- Learn actionable strategies to improve your own conducting
- Open to all experience levels-no audition required
- Bring your own scores and batons
- CEUs not included (optional $30 fee) Please select during registration
- Open to current K-12 teachers
- Limited space for conductors (first-come, first-served)
- Minimum of 20 minutes of podium time with real-time feedback
- Personalized coaching from Don Schofield and Dr. Terry Austin
- Participants must bring their own scores and batons
- CEUs included in registration
Parking and a box lunch are included with each registration. If you have any essential food allergies, sensitivities, or dietary restrictions, please contact coateske@vcu.edu no later than Friday, February 16, 2026. In the email, please include your full name, and the specific restriction. Parking instructions will be provided via email.
All participants will receive a certificate of completion.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellations received on or before January 26, 2026, will receive a full refund. Cancellations or changes to your attendance selections must be received via email at ocpe@vcu.edu. No refunds are given after January 27, 2026.
In the unlikely event that this program is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include, but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.
Transfer Policy: You may transfer your registration to a different person if requested in writing via email at ssschuetz@vcu.edu by February 16, 2026.
Student/Participant Conduct:
Participants are subject to all university policies applicable to students, unless a specific university or VCU Continuing and Professional Education policy explicitly states otherwise. University policies governing students are available at https://vcu.public.doctract.com including:
Interim Student Code of Conduct
Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct
Preventing and Responding to Discrimination
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy-Interim
Sex-Based Misconduct Policy-Interim
For Academic Accommodations, please visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/courses/policies.html#accommodations
There are still openings remaining at this time.
