Oregon State University Wind Conducting Symposium, January 30- February 1, 2026
Mallory Thompson, Northwestern University, guest clinician
Conducting Faculty
Erik Kar Jun Leung, Oregon State University
Olin Hannum, Oregon State University
Steven Lytle, Salem-Keizer Public Schools
Deadline for registration is December 12, 2025.
DESCRIPTION:
The Music Program at Oregon State University is proud to announce its 5th annual Wind Conducting Symposium on January 30- February 1, 2026, with special guest clinician Dr. Mallory Thompson, professor of music and Director of Bands Emeritus at Northwestern University.
Join other music educators from around Oregon for a weekend of professional development and music-making. The purpose of the workshop is for band directors at all stages of their careers to develop skills in both conducting and teaching. Participants will have the opportunity to conduct the Workshop Band (of which each participant will play his or her instrument), as well as attend Topical Discussions dealing with rehearsal techniques, literature and programming ideas, conducting technique and personal musical growth.
The Wind Conducting Symposium provides opportunities to participate in one of three ways:
I. CONDUCTING PARTICIPANT TRACK ($375/person, Max. 16 Participants)
Sixteen participants of all levels and interests will work intensively with Clinicians and the Workshop Band. The Conducting Participant Track is designed for improvement of conducting and teaching at all levels. Each Conductor is expected to perform his or her instrument in the Workshop Band.
II. UNIVERSITY STUDENT PARTICIPANT TRACK ($225/person, Max. 4 Participants)
Four undergraduate participants from various colleges and universities will work intensively with Clinicians and the Workshop Band. The University Student Participant Track is designed for improvement of conducting and teaching for undergraduate music students. Each Conductor is expected to perform his or her instrument in the Workshop Band. NOTE: University Students must have taken at least one prior course in conducting.
III. OBSERVER TRACK ($50/person, unlimited)
Unlimited Observer Track participants are welcome to attend all sessions of the Workshop including the conducting technique session but will not conduct the Workshop Band. The Observer Track is designed for any participant interested in learning more about conducting and teaching, without the pressure of preparing scores. Each Observer is expected to perform their instrument in the Workshop Band.
Deadline for registration is December 12, 2025.
REPERTOIRE:
“Here Take This Lovely Flower” from Simple Gifts, Frank Ticheli
Irish Tune from County Derry and Shepherd’s Hey (both movements), Percy Grainger
Letchworth Fanfare, Carrie Magin
Second Suite in F, Gustav Holst, ed. Matthews (all movements)
Wicklow, Laura Estes
Accommodations
Hilton Hotel
The workshop application can be found HERE
Tentative Workshop Schedule:
Friday January 30, 2026
5:00pm Registration and Check-in
6:00pm Introductions and Welcome
7:00pm Workshop Conducting Session #1
Saturday January 31, 2026
8:00am Topical Sessions, led by Dr. Thompson
9:00am Conducting Technique Break Out Session, led by Clinicians
10:30am Coffee Break
10:45am Topical Session #2, led by Dr. Thompson
11:45pm Lunch
1:30pm Workshop Conducting Session #2
5:00pm “Hot Topics Session,” led by Clinicians
6:00pm Optional Dinner outing at local restaurant with all Participants and Clinicians
Sunday February 1, 2026
8:30am Workshop Conducting Session #3
11:00am Closing/Wrap-Up/Pictures
Workshop Fees
- Conductor Participant Track: $375/person, 16 participants maximum
- University Student Track: $225/person, maximum of 4 participants
- Observer Track: $50/person, unlimited
Workshop Clinicians
Mallory Thompson, Professor of Music and Director of Bands Emeritus, Northwestern University
Erik Leung, Assistant Professor and Director of Bands, Oregon State University
Olin Hannum, Associate Director of Bands, Oregon State University
Steven Lytle, Coordinator of Music and Drama, Salem-Keizer Public Schools