DCINY's Mentoring Program
  • Mentor John Alexander to lead  January 2018 Mentoring Workshop
    Orchestral Conducting for the Choral DirectorJanuary 12-15, 2018
    Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend
    Focal Repertoire for 2018 Workshop will be Lux Aeterna by Morten Lauridsen.
    Intensive workshop providing hands-on experience for established and emerging conductors:


    Program OverviewThis program is designed with a progression of increasing exposure and experience. The process starts by working in a conducting lab setting, moves forward with a private lesson and culminates with podium time. We work together in a nurturing and collaborative environment. Conductors receive feedback from the faculty, musicians, staff and their peers. Podium time is videotaped for later study and review.
    Group sessions include score study, working with the Concertmaster of the Orchestra, discussing the language of the orchestra, Q & A with visiting composers/conductors who will be featured during weekend, and observing choral and orchestral rehearsals for the performances at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center. The residency ends with everyone attending the performance at Carnegie Hall followed by joining the Post-Concert Artist Gala and Dinner.
    During the Orchestral Conducting for the Choral Conductor workshop, you will work in lessons with a pianist and receive podium time with professional instrumentalists. The absence of the choir enables you to focus on the orchestral players and your orchestral conducting. During group sessions, the other conductors may act as a lab choir to provide the choral sound.


    Unique Goals for WorkshopJanuary 2018 – Orchestral Conducting for the Choral Director removes the singers from the equation so conductors are forced to focus on the instrumentalists. This session is ideal for those wishing to gain more experience working with orchestral musicians and professional players. 
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  • What’s Been Said About the Workshop:“DO IT! It is a fantastic way to network, learn, and refresh your ideas. I did not know much about before this workshop, but I am certainly impressed and intrigued by the work they do. And the staff (Dr. Griffith, Dr. Meaders) are fantastic teachers and conductors.”
    – Alessio from New York (2016 Class)
  • “Do attend! You will meet colleagues who are at all different conducting levels, and you will learn things about yourself and conducting that you might have never considered before!”
    – Lynn from Virginia (2016 Class)
    “I loved the flow and the format of the Mentoring Workshop. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to converse with instrumentalists and hear what is and isn’t helpful to them from the podium. I truly think you are all doing a great job!! Thank you for your commitment to inspiring a new generation of conductors!!!”
    – Kerry from Virginia (2015 Class)
    “All very organized, much appreciated! I really liked to be able to sit in on the rehearsals and attend the concerts as well. It was putting what we were learning into action.”
    – Tammy-Jo from Canada (2015 Class)
    “This workshop is a safe and encouraging environment where you will learn more than you have ever imagined.”
    – Lauren from Tennessee (2014 Class)
    “The environment is supportive, professional, and well-run. The podium time and interaction with colleagues is invaluable.”
    – Austen from New Jersey (2014 Class)
    “The best way to learn to conduct is to stand up and see what works and what doesn’t.”
    – John from Iowa (2012 Class)
    “To have the opportunity to learn alongside my colleagues was the most valuable experience. I loved the one-on-one conducting lesson and gained so much from the time I spent.”
    – Dana from Missouri (2012 Class)
    “The whole process is brilliant. Working directly with a fine orchestra is a very practical and invaluable experience.”
    – Robin from California (2013 Class)
    “The shape of the workshop from beginning to end was well designed. It started with simple things and got more complex. We were able to grow within the scope of the time together.”
    – Cort from California (2013 Class)
    “The opportunity to work on key repertoire with a small ensemble was of great value.”
    – David from Australia (2013 Class)
    “It is a very worthwhile experience no matter what level you are at. It pushes your limits and facilitates growth within a supportive environment.
    – Kate from New Jersey (2013 Class)
    “The workshop is a unique opportunity for choral conductors to work with seasoned professionals, deepening their understanding of the issues involved in orchestral conducting, and strengthening that understanding with hands-on practical experience. In a mutually supportive atmosphere, conductors gain vital insight into their own work and that of their colleagues.”
    – Michael Adelson, former member of the New York Philharmonic Conducting Staff (2012 and 2013 Faculty)


  • Sample Schedule:(Detailed Schedule Provided upon Registration)
    Travel to NYC during the day before the workshop or earlier. Evening prior – no-host welcome dinner
    Day 1
    9:00 am – 10:00 am – Check-in, introductions and discussion of goals for the workshop
    10:00 am – 12:30 pm – In depth score study and conducting lab session
    12:30 pm – 2:00 pm – Lunch Break
    2:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Private lessons
    2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Conducting lab session (when not in private lesson)
    6:00 pm – 9:20 pm – Optional: Observe Orchestra rehearsal for weekend’s concert
    Day 2
    10:00 am – 12:30 pm – Q&A and conducting lab session Concertmaster Jorge Avila and discussions about working with the orchestra players
    10:00 am – 12:30 pm – Private lessons
    12:30 pm – 1:30 pm – Lunch Break
    1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Observe choral rehearsal for weekend’s concert
    2:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Private lessons
    3:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Q&A with composer featured on the weekend’s concert
    4:15 pm – 6:00 pm – Conducting lab session with piano. Prep for podium session 1.
    6:00 pm – 9:20 pm – Optional: Observe Orchestra rehearsal for weekend’s concert
    Day 3
    9:00 am – 11:00 am – Conducting lab session with piano. Prep for podium session 1.
    11:00 am – 12:00 pm – Q&A with composer featured on the weekend’s concert
    12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Lunch Break
    1:00 pm- 6:00 pm – Podium Session 1
    8:00 pm – Optional: Attend concert performance
    Day 4
    8:00 am – 12:00 pm – Podium Session 2 for Mentoring Conductors
    12:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Lunch break (or travel home in the afternoon/evening today)
    2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Optional: Observeconcert dress rehearsal
    8:00 pm – Optional: Attend  concert performance
    10:00 pm – Optional: Attend the post concert reception
    Day 5
    Travel home or stay longer in the city
    *Sample workshop schedule, subject to change.