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 Option
Ideal 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
Participant Option
- 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.
