USAO Young Conductors Symposium Inspires Next Generation of Musicians

USAO’s Music Department successfully hosted its annual Young Conductors Symposium on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, at the USAO Music Annex and Te Ata Auditorium, offering intensive instructional workshops and hands-on podium experience for aspiring student musicians. 

Designed to mentor future leaders of choral and band ensembles, the free day-long event welcomed Oklahoma high school freshmen through two-year college students. Participants chose between a dedicated high school track and a two-year collegiate track tailored to their experience levels. 

The curriculum focused heavily on foundational instructional modules, including: 

• Advanced Score Study: Breaking down complex musical notation and phrasing. 

• Conducting Technique: Mastering beat patterns, cueing, and expressive gestures. 

• Section Leadership: Developing strategies to guide vocalists and instrumentalists effectively. 

Participating students received personalized mentorship from USAO’s music faculty and rehearsed directly alongside university musicians. A select group of students were chosen as performing conductors to direct the USAO Concert Choir and Concert Band during the symposium's concluding performance to the public. These coveted slots featured two high school choral students, two high school band students, one collegiate choral student, and one collegiate band student. 

Reflecting on the instructional pace, one participating high school student noted, “Conducting isn't an easy topic and often it's hard for a lot of people who can't multitask greatly as it often involves doing two things at once. Overall it allowed everyone to learn at their own pace and if someone didn't understand they stopped to help. I was able to conduct a piece for the concert which overall was an amazing experience.” 

Complementing the student programming, the department also hosted a professional development workshop for attending directors and teachers. Led by Dr. Michael Raiber - Director of Fine Arts for Mustang Public Schools and a member of both the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association and Oklahoma Music Education Association halls of fame - the session provided regional educators with advanced instructional strategies and professional enrichment. 

 

About USAO: 

The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is Oklahoma’s only public liberal arts college. Located in Chickasha, USAO is a distinctive institution offering a challenging interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. With a focus on broad-based education and civic responsibility, USAO prepares students to become well-rounded, adaptable leaders ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.  

 

Contact: Hannah Thompson | 405-574-1362