Senior music major Kylee Pickeral was selected to participate in the Shenandoah Conservatory Instrumental Conducting Symposium, held June 25-28 in Winchester, Virginia. Following submission of application materials, Kylee was invited as the only undergraduate student to conduct the full ensemble.
Kylee worked with guest clinician Dr. Emily Threinen, Director of Bands at the University of Minnesota, and an ensemble of around 50 band directors, military band members, and graduate students. In addition to her selection as a conductor, Kylee also played first alto in the ensemble as others conducted.
"It was a great opportunity to both learn how to better conduct and practice playing in an advanced ensemble," Kylee shared. "It was also an accomplishment and a privilege for me to be able to participate."
As part of the Symposium, Kylee also participated in clinics on a wide range of topics, including discussions on score study, rehearsal techniques (including observations), wind literature, working with composers, and effective teaching methods from the podium.
Kylee will graduate in Spring '24 and intends to pursue a career as a conductor of bands.