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  • What repertoire will be covered during the sessions?
    FELLOW AND ASSOCIATE REPERTOIRE ​ STRING ORCHESTRA SESSION ARENSKY: Variations on a Theme of Tchaikovsky BRITTEN: Simple Symphony Grieg: Holberg Suite Edward Hart: Amori Vini * Available at harte@cofc.edu ​ CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SESSION Mozart: Symphony No. 35, K.385, D Major (Haffner) Prokofiev: Classical Symphony, Op. 25 Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 1, Op. 11, C Minor ​ SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SESSION Schumann: Symphony No. 3, Op. 97, E Flat Major (Rhenish) Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol, Op. 34 Schubert: Rosamunde: Overture, D. 644 Victoria Bond: Anne Frank's Tree* *available here: https://www.tfront.com/p-536581-anne-franks-tree-for-narrator-and-chamber-orchestra.aspx DISCOVERY REPERTOIRE Session I Mozart, Divertimento K. 137 (B flat major) Sibelius, Romance Holst, St. Paul’s Suite Session II Hindemith, Fünf Stucke Mendelssohn, Sinfonia No. 4 (C Minor) Corigliano, Voyage for Strings
  • What are the dates and location of the Conductors Institute ?
    Dates: Fellows and Associates Program: July 7th to July 19th, 2024. Check-in and orientation occur on July 7th, and classes begin on July 8th at 9 AM. Discovery Program: July 10th to July 19th, 2024. Check-in and orientation occur on July 10th, and classes begin on July 11th at 9 AM. Location: All activities are held at the CATO Center on the College of Charleston campus.
  • As an orchestra player, am I eligible for a scholarship?
    Yes, scholarships may be available for orchestra players participating in the institute. This is determined on a case-by-case basis. Please email us at conductorsinstituteofsc@gmail.com to discuss your situation and explore scholarship opportunities.
  • Can you provide more information about the available work-study scholarships and their responsibilities?
    Camera Assistant Work-Study Program: The recipient will handle recording and editing videos of rehearsals and performances, manage a digital media library, and assist in live streaming events. This role is crucial for student feedback and creating high-quality content for our institute’s promotional activities. Social Media Work-Study Program: The social media fellow is responsible for daily posts across our platforms, creating a Facebook group chat for participants, and introducing participants via social media to build community and engagement. Student Coordinator Work-Study Program: This fellow will coordinate logistics such as carpooling, act as a liaison between participants and administration, and organize evening activities to enhance the overall experience of the participants. We offer a stipend of $300 per program for these roles.
  • What supplies should participants bring?
    Participants should bring their conducting baton, scores, and any additional equipment needed for rehearsals. Cameras are also permitted.
  • How is the rehearsal schedule organized?
    All students will conduct one movement per day, covering the entire repertoire. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be provided on the first day. Participants are expected to arrive on time with all necessary scores.
  • What is the deposit requirement for securing a spot in the program?
    We require a deposit of $900 to secure your spot in the program and expect it to be paid as soon as possible. Please contact us immediately if you are facing any complications with making the deposit, and we will do our best to assist you.
  • What is the difference between a fellow and an associate in the program?
    Fellows receive slightly more podium time than associates and are given the opportunity to conduct a concert with the symphony orchestra repertoire. Associates conduct a concert using the chamber orchestra repertoire. This distinction allows both roles to gain valuable conducting experience tailored to different ensemble sizes and complexities.
  • Where can I obtain the music for Edward Hart's "Amori Vini" and Victoria Bond's "Anne Frank's Tree"?
    Edward Hart's score is available via email at harte@cofc.edu "Anne Frank's Tree" can be purchased at this link.
  • How many fellows and associates are accepted each year?
    We aim to limit the number of fellows and associates to a total of 20 to ensure that concert opportunities are distributed equally among all participants.
  • What are the ensemble configurations for each session?
    String Orchestra: Consists of a string quintet. Chamber Orchestra: Includes a double string quintet plus one of each wind instrument. Symphony Orchestra: Comprises two stands of each string instrument plus one of each wind instrument, percussion, and timpani.
  • What does a typical day look like for fellows and associates at the institute?
    Morning: Fellows and associates actively conduct during the orchestra rehearsals. This session is critical for practicing their conducting skills with a full ensemble and receiving real-time feedback from the orchestra players, instructors, and peers. Afternoon: They participate in critique sessions. These sessions are focused on reviewing the morning's rehearsals, where they receive detailed feedback and discuss various conducting techniques and interpretations. Late Afternoon: Fellows and associates attend special topics seminars. These seminars are designed to deepen their understanding of various aspects of music, conducting, and career development.
  • As an associate, do I need to bring my own symphony orchestra session scores?
    Yes, all fellows and associates are responsible for bringing the scores for the entire repertoire listed for their program. Please ensure you have all necessary music prepared and with you for the program.
  • As a fellow, do I need to bring my own chamber orchestra session scores?
    Yes, all fellows and associates are responsible for bringing the scores for the entire repertoire listed for their program. Please ensure you have all necessary music prepared and with you for the program.
  • What is the ensemble configurations for the program?
    The Discovery Program features a string quartet.
  • What does a typical day look like for a Discovery student at the institute?
    Morning: Discovery students start their day by observing the fellow and associate rehearsals. This provides them with valuable insights into conducting techniques and ensemble management. Afternoon: They have their own conducting sessions with a string quartet. This hands-on experience allows them to apply the techniques they've observed and receive direct feedback. Late Afternoon: Discovery students attend special topics seminars. These seminars cover a variety of subjects relevant to conducting and music leadership, enhancing their overall educational experience at the institute.
  • As a discovery student, do I need to bring scores for the fellows and associates repertoire?
    Not necessary but strongly recommended. All discovery students observe fellow and associate rehearsals in the morning. Following a score while observing the rehearsals will help you understand the music better.
  • What can I do in downtown Charleston during my free time, and what are the dining and beach options?
    Downtown Charleston: Explore the historic streets, visit art galleries, and enjoy the vibrant local culture. Don't miss the iconic Charleston City Market for souvenirs and local crafts. Dining Options: Cheaper Meals: Try local diners and food trucks for budget-friendly meals. Check out CofC's meal options here: https://cougarcard.cofc.edu/meal-plans/dining-locations.php Expensive Meals: For a fine dining experience, consider restaurants like Husk, FIG, or The Ordinary, known for their exquisite Southern cuisine. Here's a great list made by the local paper: https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2022/04/01/9-places-in-charleston-with-meals-under-15/ Beach Options: Take a day to unwind at one of the nearby beaches. Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island offer great spots for relaxation and are popular with locals and visitors alike.
  • What is the typical weather in Charleston during July?
    July in Charleston, South Carolina, is hot and humid, with average high temperatures around 89°F (32°C) and lows typically around 74°F (23°C). It's also a month when afternoon thunderstorms are common due to the high humidity. Participants are advised to prepare for warm weather and occasional rain by bringing appropriate clothing, such as light, breathable fabrics and a rain jacket or umbrella.
  • What are the transportation arrangements?
    Participants are responsible for their travel to and from Charleston. Guidance on local transportation options is available upon request. The student coordinator also arranges carpools when necessary.
  • What about meals during the program?
    Meals are not provided. Participants are responsible for their own meals, with numerous dining options within walking distance from the dormitories.
  • What are the accommodation details?
    Housing: Participants will stay in single-occupancy rooms at College of Charleston dormitories. Please check out details here: https://charleston.edu/housing/residence-halls/warren-place.php Note that the rooms will be single-occupancy for the summer. The total cost for the stay is $750. Participants are also welcome to explore other accommodations such as Airbnb and hotels, given the campus's central location in downtown Charleston. Bedding: Available for rent at $50, including bedsheets, pillow, blanket, and towels. Kitchen: A shared kitchen with basic appliances is available for use.
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