Indiana State University Newsroom

The Indiana State University School of Music will host a wind conducting symposium July 18-22.

The symposium is aimed at furthering the skills of conductor, specifically wind band and chamber music conducting. Workshops will include score study and analysis, movement and gesture, rehearsal techniques, and the acoustics of music and music venues. There will also be breakout sessions on the music of Charles Ives, Alan Hovhaness, Percy Grainger, and John Philip Sousa.

Roby George, director of bands at ISU, will lead the symposium along with wind conductors Tim Foley, former conductor and commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Band, and Keith Brion, conductor of the New Sousa Band.

"We are pleased to have such accomplished conductors join us. Their groups have performed all over the world and, along with other professional military bands, represent America's version of the professional, artistic wind band," George said. "The symposium will put the spotlight on young conductors that are accomplished enough but wish to further develop their skills on the podium and in the classroom."

The Center for Instruction, Research and Technology at ISU will also be involved in the week of events. Les Lunce, associate director of CIRT, and his team will record the symposium on video and collect data on conductors. Their movement, facial expressions, and other factors will be analyzed to determine the effect they have on the musicians.

"We will utilize video camera shots that will allow slow-motion analysis and juxtaposition of images designed to show the conductor in action and the response of the players," George said. "Much of what we consider effective conducting is intangible and has to do with that connection between the player and conductor. The research hopes to answer some of the intangibles."

An ensemble of about 55 musicians, including some select high school students, present ISU music students, ISU graduates and former and present music faculty will be involved. Professionals with the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, as well as musicians from Indianapolis, Bloomington, Brazil and Champaign, Ill. will serve as test subjects. Members of the ensemble will be volunteering their time.

The symposium is free and will take place in the Center for Performing and Fine Arts at Seventh and Chestnut streets on the ISU campus.

Photo: http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/photos/927623295_mofr5-L.jpg

Contact: Roby George, director of bands, School of Music, Indiana State University, Roby.George@indstate.edu or 812-237-2752.