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New Pathways to Conducting
A Practicum for Aspiring and Inspiring Conductors
with Joseph Gifford and the Nashua Chamber Orchestra
May 22-26, 2010
What is the difference between a good conductor and a great conductor?
What does an aspiring conductor need to be great? What is necessary to inspire an orchestra and deliver a compelling musical vision?
The best conductors combine superb physicality with emotional openness and clear leadership. Renowned teacher Joseph Gifford will show you how to cultivate these qualities in yourself and extend your leadership beyond the podium. In this supportive and collegial setting, you will obtain knowledgeable and impartial feedback from instructors, fellow participants and orchestra members. Through studies with Mr.Gifford and peer learning you will become a more effective leader, not only on the podium but also in today’s challenging and competitive musical environment. This workshop will put you on new pathways that will lead you towards realizing your full potential.
Morning sessions will be devoted to group discussion and movement awareness. Drawing from a wide arsenal of exercises and using principles from the Alexander Technique, Feldenkreis Method, Trager Mentastics and yoga, Mr. Gifford will lead you to a greater awareness and freedom of movement, enabling you to engage more fully with the music. Topics will be tailored to the specific needs and abilities of the participants. (Suggested topics are listed below.)
Afternoon and evening sessions will be devoted to the development of conducting sensibility, skills and techniques. Up to six Conducting Fellows will be selected to conduct the orchestra and will have a minimum of three sessions of 20-30 minutes on the podium with the Nashua Chamber Orchestra (www.nco-music.org). By comparing and contrasting the repertoire in the hands of different conductors, all participants will come away with a richer command of the conductor’s art.
Repertoire
Mendelssohn The Fair Melusine Overture, Op.32
Beethoven Symphony No. 6 (“Pastorale”)
Schedule
Saturday, May 22
1:00-2:00 Getting acquainted and introduction to the work
2:00-4:00 “Principles in action: How outer changes create inner responses”
4:00-4:15 Break
4:15-6:00 “Deeply relaxed, yet alert”
6:30-7:30 Welcoming Reception
7:30 Dinner with new friends or on your own
Sunday, May 23
10:00-10:30 Review and discussion of the previous day’s material
10:30-12:30 “Tension vs. Intensity: How to let go of one to achieve the other”
12:30-1:45 “Successful programming” Brown bag lunch and discussion (bring your own or order from local deli)
1:45-3:15 “Less is More”
3:15-3:30 Break
3:30-5:00 “Solid ground and taking flight”
5:15-7:00 Dinner with new friends or on your own
7:15-9:45 Orchestra Session 1. Conducting Fellows will lead the orchestra in their choice from the selected repertoire, and then receive constructive feedback from orchestra members, instructors and fellow participants.
Monday, May 24
10:00-10:30 Review and discussion of the previous day’s material
10:30-12:30 “Going into the unknown: how releasing old patterns can lead to new freedom”
12:30-1:45 “Marketing Basics: Reaching Your Audience” Brown bag lunch and discussion (bring your own or order from local deli)
1:45-3:15 “Achieving inner and outer stillness.”
3:15-3:30 Break
3:30-5:00 “Connecting emotionally with the music and the musicians.”
5:15-7:00 Dinner with new friends or on your own
7:15-9:45 Orchestra Session 2 (see above)
Tuesday, May 25
10:00-10:30 Review and discussion of the previous day’s material
10:30-12:30 “The Orchestra: Subjects or Objects?”
12:30-1:45 “Starting your own orchestra” Brown bag lunch and discussion (bring your own or order from local deli)
1:45-3:15 “Evoking vs. miming the music.”
3:15-3:30 Break
3:30-5:00 “Leaving behind the personal to enter the Universal.”
5:15-7:00 Dinner with new friends or on your own
7:15-9:45 Orchestra Session 3 (see above)
Wednesday, May 26
10:00-12:30 Review and wrap-up session: “Taking it into the real world”
Faculty
Joseph Gifford is a respected and honored teacher, who has worked with conductors, singers and instrumentalists for over 25 years. He served on the faculty of the American Symphony Orchestra League Donald Thulean Conductor Workshops for a continuous twenty years until 2006, when the League discontinued those workshops. He brings to his students the possibility of going beyond personal boundaries, to grow into new pathways that lead to the deeper and wider dimensions of the timeless world of music.
For more information on Mr. Gifford, visit: www.josephgifford.com
Assisting Mr. Gifford will be David Feltner, Music Director of the Nashua Chamber Orchestra and founder of the Chamber Orchestra of Boston. Recognized for his innovative programming, Mr. Feltner will lead discussions on “Successful programming” and “Starting your own orchestra.”
For more information on Mr. Feltner, visit http://chamberbos.squarespace.com/director/
Location
The workshop sessions will take place at the Activity Center at 70 Temple Street in Nashua, NH. Located approximately 40 miles north of Boston, downtown Nashua is a charming mill town, with many shops and restaurants ranging from the inexpensive to fine dining. Discounted room rates will be available at the official workshop hotel: Holiday Inn-Nashua. It is recommended that participants stay there for ease of car-pooling to the Activity Center.
Costs
Non-refundable application fee $ 25
Participants $ 350
Conducting Fellows $ 850
Applications are due by April 9, 2010
Selected Participants will be notified by April 23, 2010
Full payment is due by May 7, 2010
Deadlines
Applications are currently being reviewed. Interested persons should apply ASAP.
Selected Participants will be notified by April 23, 2010
To Apply
Please send your resume, DVD or videotape and application fee, made out to Joseph Gifford to:
New Pathways to Conducting Workshop
c/o David Feltner
The Chamber Orchestra of Boston
263 Commonwealth Ave. #7
Boston, MA 02116
For questions or further information, contact:
David Feltner at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 617-266-1626
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