About the Symposium

2023 Symposium Registration is now closed!

UMKC Score Study, Interpretation, and Orchestral Conducting Symposium

Join us at the UMKC Conservatory for an intense program designed for musicians who seek to improve their relationship with score study and interpretation, rehearsal planning and technique, how to speak more clearly and confidently in rehearsal, leadership skills, and physical gesture. All interested musicians are welcome to apply regardless of instrument, voice type, or specific professional focus.

 

UMKC Score Study, Interpretation, and Orchestral Conducting Symposium works to debunk some of the most pervasive myths that surround the craft of conducting distractions that have gradually left the art of conducting bereft of its true force and beauty. We’ll talk about what it is that a conductor actually does and does not do, and we’ll look at the fundamentals of our craft with a heretical eye.

We will begin each day with study and we will study together. We’ll talk about why we study, what we study, and for once… how… specifically… we make artistic decisions based on that study — i.e. the art of interpretation. 

 

Next, we’ll look at how to use what we learned from that study to help us structure and lead efficient rehearsals that help empower the musicians to be the most compelling artists that they can be. We’ll redefine what we think a rehearsal is, we’ll re-define the idea of the ‘mistake’, and we’ll talk about fundamental skills that every conductor needs to practice to stay in shape and do our jobs well.

Then… we’re going to turn the whole physical part of conducting on its head through fundamental techniques like the use of space, understanding the true power unlocked through musical subdivision, getting there early, and harnessing the incredible power of trust.

This summer, we also plan to have two time Grammy nominated vocalist Lindsay Kesselman with us as a guest artist, singer, and teacher. This astounding musician will help us tear into how we work with a soloist, how we move and breath with a vocalist, how we listen to them, and together we will learn more about the awe inspiring burden and joy of text! 

If you are a music educator, this is for you. If you are a professional conductor this is for you. If you are a composer who is interested in how to use fundamental tools of expression in your music with more impact, this is for you. If you are a performing instrumentalist or singer who wants to be able to study, understand, and perform with a more compelling and lasting impact on the audience, this is for you.

Let’s actually make decisions together, and then let’s rehearse, move, shape, inspire each other, laugh, and renew our respect for the art of all that conducting is and can be… together.

Join us!

“Kevin Noe is without a doubt one of the most important artists and teachers of our lifetime. For me, choosing to study with him was the most pivotal decision of my career and he will forever sit on my shoulder each time I take the podium. Every conductor, no matter the level, must find a way to learn from this master pedagogue and artist. Attend one of his symposiums and you will understand.”
Soo Han, Director of Orchestras, George Mason University
“Professor Noe’s symposiums create a space where meaningful reflection and musical curiosity are nurtured. The structure of each day’s sessions along with the discussions on music and score study are life-altering. Year after year I discover more about why we do what we do.”
Hisham Bravo, Music Director, Buffalo Community Orchestra

2023 Tentative Repertoire

  • David Biedenbender: Shell and Wing (with Lindsay Kesselman)
  • Thomas Albert: Selections from Night Music
  • Igor Stravinsky: “No Word from Tom”
    • Intro, Recitative, and Aria from The Rake’s Progress (with Lindsay Kesselman)
  • Wolfgang Mozart: Symphony no. 40
    • Movements 1, 2, and 3 only

Guest Artists

Lindsay Kesselman

Hailed by Fanfare Magazine as an “artist of growing reputation for her artistry and intelligence...with a voice of goddess-like splendor” Lindsay Kesselman is a two time GRAMMY-nominated soprano who passionately advocates for contemporary music. Recent and upcoming highlights include ongoing performances of two works written for Kesselman by John Mack ey with orchestras and wind symphonies across the country, the John Corigliano 80th birthday celebration at National Sawdust (2018), a leading role in Louis Andriessen’s opera Theatre of the World with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Dutch National Opera and an international tour of Einstein on the Beach with the Philip Glass Ensemble (2012-2015). Kesselman has been the resident soprano of the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble for 12 seasons and HAVEN, Kessel man’s trio with Kimberly Cole Luevano, clarinet and Midori Koga, piano (www.haventrio.com) actively commissions and tours throughout North America.

David Biedenbender

Composer David Biedenbender has written music for the concert stage as well as for dance and multimedia collaborations, and his work is often influenced by his diverse musical experiences in rock and jazz bands as a bassist, in wind, jazz, and New Orleans-style brass bands as a euphonium, trombone, and tuba player, and by study of Indian Carnatic Music. He has had the privilege of collaborating with and being commissioned by many renowned performers and ensembles, including Alarm Will Sound, the PRISM Saxophone Quartet, the Stenhammar String Quartet, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, the U.S. Navy Band, Philharmonie Baden-Baden (Germany), VocalEssence, the Eastman Wind Ensemble, and the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble. among many others. He is currently Associate Professor of Composition in the College of Music at Michigan State University, and he holds degrees in composition from the University of Michigan and Central Michigan University.

Questions? Contact us!
music-ce@umkc.edu
(816) 235-2741

Mailing Address:
UMKC Score Study and Orchestral Conducting Symposium
UMKC Conservatory
5227 Holmes St.
Kansas City, MO 64110