WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY
CHORAL CONDUCTING SYMPOSIUM

July 16 – 19, 2025

The WCU Choral Conducting Symposium is designed to sharpen podium gestures and communication skills, enhance knowledge of repertoire, and deepen score study and analysis techniques. It is designed for working conductors in public/private schools, churches, and community choirs and is also suitable for advanced students ready for graduate study (masters or doctoral) in conducting. Conductors may participate in two ways: as Conducting Participants, who will get ample podium time and individual lessons with master teachers; or as Observers, who will be engaged in all activities but who will not conduct. All sessions will be video recorded and given to the participating conductors.

Registration opens at noon on Monday, January 13, 2025. Payment is required to secure a participant slot.

SYMPOSIUM
DETAILS

Choral Conducting Symposium

Daily Schedule

Wednesday-Friday, July 16-18, 2025

  • 9:00-10:00am - Lessons with teachers
  • 10:15am-12:00pm - Conducting Masterclass
  • 12:00-1:30pm - Lunch
  • 1:30-2:30pm - Score study, analysis, and performance practice session
  • 2:45-4:30pm - Conducting Masterclass
  • 4:30-4:45pm - Break
  • 4:45-6:30pm - Lecture/Masterclass

Saturday Morning, July 19, 2025

  • 9:30am-12:30pm - Conducting masterclass with chamber orchestra

Repertoire

G. F. Händel, Messiah
Elaine Hagenberg, Illuminare

Shorter choral works to be introduced and assigned in reading sessions and masterclasses.

Fees and Registration

Registration opens at noon on Monday, January 13, 2025. A $100 deposit is required to secure a Conducting Participant slot; there are 15 Conducting Participation spots available. All other participants will register as Observers.

Choral Conducting Symposium Registration

Participation Options/Workshops Fees

  • Conducting Participant – $500
  • Observer – $300

Contact Dr. Kimberly Adams with any additional questions.

Graduate Course Enrollment

The symposium offers a graduate course with variable credit options (1-3 credits). Contact Dr. Kimberly Adams if you are interested in registering for the associated course.

  • Before Enrolling in the course, students must:
    • Register for the symposium using the link below.
    • Pay the symposium fee based on their level of involvement (Conducting Participant or Observer)
  • Credit options by participation level:
    • Conducting Participants may enroll for 2 or 3 graduate credits, depending on their needs.
    • Observers may only enroll for 1 graduate credit due to their more limited participation in the symposium.
  • Additional Details:
    • Conducting Participants slots for the symposium are limited and tend to fill up quickly.
    • Observer spots are unlimited.
    • For graduate credit pricing, refer to the Tuition and Fees dropdown. 

SYMPOSIUM
CLINICIANS

Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt

Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt
Guest Clinician

Dr. Kimberly Adams

Dr. Kimberly Adams
Symposium Host

Dr. Ryan Kelly

Dr. Ryan Kelly
Symposium Host