Beyond the Baton Seminar and Conducting Workshop

The goal of the “Beyond the Baton” Conducting Seminar and Workshop is to provide a forum for preparing conductors for conducting positions with regional orchestras in the United States. During this seminar, there will be five in-depth sessions on specific chapters of the book “Beyond the Baton” by Diane Wittry. The areas covered will include: 1) Artistic leadership; 2) Programming; 3) Involvement in the Community; 4) Working with the Board, Staff, and Orchestra; 5) Preparing Press Packets & Auditions. During the seminar, time will be spent evaluating the participant’s press materials and each person will gain experience developing different types of concert programs. There will also be three conducting sessions where the participants will have the opportunity to prepare a 10 minute video tape conducting the chamber version of Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copland which could be used for conducting auditions. (All conducting sessions will be video taped.) Total podium time for each active participant is 30 minutes. Participants will also have the opportunity of purchasing professional action photos of their work during the conducting sessions.

Seminar fees are due upon acceptance to the workshop. The first 14 qualified conducting participants that apply will be accepted. A maximum of ten auditors will be accepted. Seminar fees can be refunded up to four weeks before the first day of the seminar. If it is closer than four weeks, the fees will be refunded only if the withdrawing applicant’s place in the seminar is filled by another Participant/Auditor.

The first 15 qualified applicants to apply will be accepted. Conductors applying before March 15th will be given priority. Payment of the fee in full will be required to hold a person’s space in the seminar. A non-refundable $25 application fee must accompany all applications. Please download the PDF application document and return it with a complete press packet of your work, a video tape or DVD of your conducting, and the application fee check made payable to: The Norwalk Symphony. Applications should be mailed to:

The Norwalk Symphony
“Beyond the Baton” Seminar
1 Park Street
Norwalk, CT 06851

The seminar has 5 lecture session based upon the book “Beyond the Baton” and 3 conducting sessions. For a downloadable version, click here.

The Norwalk Inn and Conference Center is the official hotel for the conducting Seminar. Single and Double rooms are available at: $109.00 + tax. (Reference Norwalk Symphony for your reservation.) The Norwalk Symphony office will help to coordinate between participants who are interested in sharing a room during the seminar. The Norwalk Inn has a full service restaurant and a bar, and includes Hi-speed internet and bottled water. The Inn is located just 2 blocks from the Norwalk City Concert Hall where the sessions of the seminar will take place. It is also less than ½ mile from the train station. The address for the Norwalk Inn is: 99 East Avenue, Norwalk Connecticut, 06851. Phone: (203) 838-2000; Fax: (203) 855-9722. www.NorwalkInn.com

The City of Norwalk, Connecticut, is located off of Interstate I-95, (Exit 16) less than one hour’s drive north of New York City. It is accessible by train from New York on the Metro North, New Haven Line. The closest station to the hotel is the East Norwalk Station. The East Norwalk train station is less than ½ from the Norwalk Concert Hall and the Norwalk Inn and Conference Center. For people traveling by train, arrangements can be made to transport participants to and from the train station. If you are traveling by air, the closest airport is the Westchester County Airport in White Plains, NY, but Norwalk is also assessable by La Guardia and JFK Airports. There is a Connecticut Limousine service which can transport you directly to the Norwalk Inn.

FACULTY: DIANE WITTRY
– Music Director/Conductor/Author

Diane Wittry is currently the Music Director and Conductor for both the Norwalk Symphony, CT and the Allentown Symphony, PA. She is in demand as a guest conductor nationally and internationally, and has conducted orchestras in Italy, Japan, Russia, Slovakia, and Ukraine. American orchestras she has worked with include: The Los Angeles Philharmonic, The San Diego Symphony, The Buffalo Philharmonic, The New Jersey Symphony, The Houston Symphony, The Florida Philharmonic, and The Ojai Festivals Chamber Orchestra, among others.

Over the years, Diane Wittry has received many honors and awards including feature articles in Newsweek magazine (Sept. 1994) and the New York Times (2001); an “Arts Ovation Award” from the City of Allentown, Pennsylvania; the “Women of Excellence” Award in Beaumont, Texas; the national “Helen M. Thompson” Award from the American Symphony Orchestra League for outstanding artistic leadership; and the prestigious Fiorino Doro Award from the city of Vinci, Italy. Her new book, “Beyond the Baton” was released by Oxford University Press in December 2006.

For more information on Diane Wittry’s work, please visit her website: www.DianeWittry.com

SEMINAR BOOK: Beyond the Baton – What Every Conductor Needs to Know

By Diane Wittry

Regular Price: Reduced Price for Seminar:

$35.00 $25.00

Description

Seasoned conductor Diane Wittry draws a comprehensive roadmap to a successful career in Beyond the Baton. With first-hand understanding of how the role of the conductor has changed across the years, she expertly examines the new set of duties--both on and off of the podium--that now fall upon the shoulders of the music director.

From getting a job to fundraising and educational outreach, Wittry's comprehensive tips and strategies guide students and professional conductors alike through the leadership and organizational skills necessary for success. Numerous real-life examples illustrate vital skills for artistic leadership such as programming subscription, pops, and educational concerts; understanding the budget and the music director's role in funding the artistic vision; and presenting speeches, and radio and televised interviews. In informative conversations with the author, successful conductors Leonard Slatkin, Robert Spano, and JoAnn Falletta offer tips from personal experience on how music directors can work successfully with orchestras, and what their roles are with the board and the community.

Reviews

"There is much more to a successful conducting career than merely standing on the podium and making music. Diane Wittry has provided a remarkably thorough and thoughtful guide to this unique profession, one that will be of immense value to every aspiring conductor who hopes to work and flourish in American orchestras."

– Henry Fogel, President and CEO, American Symphony Orchestra League

THE NORWALK SYMPHONY

The Norwalk Symphony Orchestra (NSO) was founded in January 1939. A year later, the celebrated Quinto Maganini, a Pulitzer prize winning composer and principal flute for the New York Symphony, began his 26-year tenure as the Orchestra’s Conductor and Music Director. Following Maestro Maganini’s retirement in 1967, Dennis Russell Davis conducted the orchestra from 1969 to 1973, and was succeeded by Gilbert Levine from 1974 to 1980. The Music Director from 1980 to 2000 was Jesse Levine, who expanded the musical aspirations of the NSO as well as demanded an increasingly rigorous standard of performance from its musicians.

At the opening concert of the 2002-2003 season, Diane Wittry made her debut as Music Director and Conductor of the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra. Maestro Wittry brought an enthusiasm for music and a commitment to education and outreach in the community. Wittry's new ideas for collaborating with community groups have broadened and expanded the concert experience. With her new leadership, the Norwalk Symphony is growing artistically and is working to significantly expand its outreach.

THE NORWALK CONCERT HALL

The Norwalk Concert Hall is located inside of Norwalk City Hall at 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut. The hall seats 1000 people and has the best sound from New York to Boston. The acoustical shell was designed by Jaffee Holden Accoustics when the hall was remodeled in the 1980. There is plenty of free parking and the hall is centrally located just off exit 16 of Highway I-95.

Questions about the seminar should be directed to: (203) 847–8844.
Email: JaneShelly@NorwalkSymphony.org. Further information can be found at the Norwalk Symphony website: www.NorwalkSymphony.org.


	• General Information • Fees • Application • Schedule of Events • Housing • Travel	• Faculty Diane Wittry • Seminar Book "Beyond the Baton" • Norwalk Symphony • Norwalk Concert Hall


GENERAL INFORMATION The goal of the “Beyond the Baton” Conducting Seminar and Workshop is to provide a forum for preparing conductors for conducting positions with regional orchestras in the United States. During this seminar, there will be five in-depth sessions on specific chapters of the book “Beyond the Baton” by Diane Wittry. The areas covered will include: 1) Artistic leadership; 2) Programming; 3) Involvement in the Community; 4) Working with the Board, Staff, and Orchestra; 5) Preparing Press Packets & Auditions. During the seminar, time will be spent evaluating the participant’s press materials and each person will gain experience developing different types of concert programs. There will also be three conducting sessions where the participants will have the opportunity to prepare a 10 minute video tape conducting the chamber version of Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copland which could be used for conducting auditions. (All conducting sessions will be video taped.) Total podium time for each active participant is 30 minutes. Participants will also have the opportunity of purchasing professional action photos of their work during the conducting sessions. Required Book: "Beyond the Baton – What Every Conductor Needs to Know" by Diane Wittry Suggested Book: "Orchestral Music, A Handbook" (3rd or 4th edition) by David Daniels Repertoire: Appalachian Spring (Chamber Version) Aaron Copland FEES: Application Fee $25 Participant Fee $495 Auditor Fee $275 Autographed copy of "Beyond the Baton" $ 30 $25.00+$5.00 postage Seminar fees are due upon acceptance to the workshop. The first 14 qualified conducting participants that apply will be accepted. A maximum of ten auditors will be accepted. Seminar fees can be refunded up to four weeks before the first day of the seminar. If it is closer than four weeks, the fees will be refunded only if the withdrawing applicant’s place in the seminar is filled by another Participant/Auditor. Questions about the seminar should be directed to: (203) 847–8844. Email: JaneShelly@NorwalkSymphony.org. Further information can be found at the Norwalk Symphony website: www.NorwalkSymphony.org. APPLICATION: The first 15 qualified applicants to apply will be accepted. Conductors applying before March 15th will be given priority. Payment of the fee in full will be required to hold a person’s space in the seminar. A non-refundable $25 application fee must accompany all applications. Please download the PDF application document and return it with a complete press packet of your work, a video tape or DVD of your conducting, and the application fee check made payable to: The Norwalk Symphony. Applications should be mailed to: The Norwalk Symphony “Beyond the Baton” Seminar 1 Park Street Norwalk, CT 06851 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: The seminar has 5 lecture session based upon the book “Beyond the Baton” and 3 conducting sessions. For a downloadable version, click here. HOUSING: The Norwalk Inn and Conference Center is the official hotel for the conducting Seminar. Single and Double rooms are available at: $109.00 + tax. (Reference Norwalk Symphony for your reservation.) The Norwalk Symphony office will help to coordinate between participants who are interested in sharing a room during the seminar. The Norwalk Inn has a full service restaurant and a bar, and includes Hi-speed internet and bottled water. The Inn is located just 2 blocks from the Norwalk City Concert Hall where the sessions of the seminar will take place. It is also less than ½ mile from the train station. The address for the Norwalk Inn is: 99 East Avenue, Norwalk Connecticut, 06851. Phone: (203) 838-2000; Fax: (203) 855-9722. www.NorwalkInn.com TRAVEL: The City of Norwalk, Connecticut, is located off of Interstate I-95, (Exit 16) less than one hour’s drive north of New York City. It is accessible by train from New York on the Metro North, New Haven Line. The closest station to the hotel is the East Norwalk Station. The East Norwalk train station is less than ½ from the Norwalk Concert Hall and the Norwalk Inn and Conference Center. For people traveling by train, arrangements can be made to transport participants to and from the train station. If you are traveling by air, the closest airport is the Westchester County Airport in White Plains, NY, but Norwalk is also assessable by La Guardia and JFK Airports. There is a Connecticut Limousine service which can transport you directly to the Norwalk Inn. FACULTY: DIANE WITTRY – Music Director/Conductor/Author Diane Wittry is currently the Music Director and Conductor for both the Norwalk Symphony, CT and the Allentown Symphony, PA. She is in demand as a guest conductor nationally and internationally, and has conducted orchestras in Italy, Japan, Russia, Slovakia, and Ukraine. American orchestras she has worked with include: The Los Angeles Philharmonic, The San Diego Symphony, The Buffalo Philharmonic, The New Jersey Symphony, The Houston Symphony, The Florida Philharmonic, and The Ojai Festivals Chamber Orchestra, among others. Over the years, Diane Wittry has received many honors and awards including feature articles in Newsweek magazine (Sept. 1994) and the New York Times (2001); an “Arts Ovation Award” from the City of Allentown, Pennsylvania; the “Women of Excellence” Award in Beaumont, Texas; the national “Helen M. Thompson” Award from the American Symphony Orchestra League for outstanding artistic leadership; and the prestigious Fiorino Doro Award from the city of Vinci, Italy. Her new book, “Beyond the Baton” was released by Oxford University Press in December 2006. For more information on Diane Wittry’s work, please visit her website: www.DianeWittry.com SEMINAR BOOK: Beyond the Baton – What Every Conductor Needs to Know By Diane Wittry Regular Price: Reduced Price for Seminar: $35.00 $25.00 Description Seasoned conductor Diane Wittry draws a comprehensive roadmap to a successful career in Beyond the Baton. With first-hand understanding of how the role of the conductor has changed across the years, she expertly examines the new set of duties--both on and off of the podium--that now fall upon the shoulders of the music director. From getting a job to fundraising and educational outreach, Wittry's comprehensive tips and strategies guide students and professional conductors alike through the leadership and organizational skills necessary for success. Numerous real-life examples illustrate vital skills for artistic leadership such as programming subscription, pops, and educational concerts; understanding the budget and the music director's role in funding the artistic vision; and presenting speeches, and radio and televised interviews. In informative conversations with the author, successful conductors Leonard Slatkin, Robert Spano, and JoAnn Falletta offer tips from personal experience on how music directors can work successfully with orchestras, and what their roles are with the board and the community. Reviews "There is much more to a successful conducting career than merely standing on the podium and making music. Diane Wittry has provided a remarkably thorough and thoughtful guide to this unique profession, one that will be of immense value to every aspiring conductor who hopes to work and flourish in American orchestras." – Henry Fogel, President and CEO, American Symphony Orchestra League THE NORWALK SYMPHONY The Norwalk Symphony Orchestra (NSO) was founded in January 1939. A year later, the celebrated Quinto Maganini, a Pulitzer prize winning composer and principal flute for the New York Symphony, began his 26-year tenure as the Orchestra’s Conductor and Music Director. Following Maestro Maganini’s retirement in 1967, Dennis Russell Davis conducted the orchestra from 1969 to 1973, and was succeeded by Gilbert Levine from 1974 to 1980. The Music Director from 1980 to 2000 was Jesse Levine, who expanded the musical aspirations of the NSO as well as demanded an increasingly rigorous standard of performance from its musicians. At the opening concert of the 2002-2003 season, Diane Wittry made her debut as Music Director and Conductor of the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra. Maestro Wittry brought an enthusiasm for music and a commitment to education and outreach in the community. Wittry's new ideas for collaborating with community groups have broadened and expanded the concert experience. With her new leadership, the Norwalk Symphony is growing artistically and is working to significantly expand its outreach. THE NORWALK CONCERT HALL The Norwalk Concert Hall is located inside of Norwalk City Hall at 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut. The hall seats 1000 people and has the best sound from New York to Boston. The acoustical shell was designed by Jaffee Holden Accoustics when the hall was remodeled in the 1980. There is plenty of free parking and the hall is centrally located just off exit 16 of Highway I-95. Questions about the seminar should be directed to: (203) 847–8844. Email: JaneShelly@NorwalkSymphony.org. Further information can be found at the Norwalk Symphony website: www.NorwalkSymphony.org.