June 11-14, 2026 // The University of Georgia The University of Georgia Conducting Symposium is a multi-day conducting and teaching workshop that presents conductors at all levels with an extraordinary professional and artistic development opportunity. Public school music educators are highly encouraged to participate. Conductor Track members will conduct the UGA Chamber Winds during instructional rounds and recorded performance while receiving direct coaching from our renowned guest clinician and individual feedback from the UGA Bands conducting faculty. Auditors will not receive podium time but can otherwise fully participate. Meet our UGA conducting faculty. Meet our guest clinician Dr.Rodney Dorsey Dr.Rodney Dorsey is Professor of Music at the Florida State University College of Music where he conducts the FSU Wind Orchestra and guides the graduate wind conducting program. Dorsey comes to FSU from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where he conducted the IU Wind Ensemble and taught graduate conducting courses. Prior to his tenure at the Jacobs School, Dorsey served on the faculties of the University of Oregon, University of Michigan, DePaul University and Northwestern University. He also gained extensive experience teaching in the public schools of Florida and Georgia. Dorsey studied conducting with Mallory Thompson, John P. Paynter, and James Croft. He was a clarinet student of Fred Ormand and Frank Kowalsky. During his conducting career, Dorsey has led performances at several prominent events including the American Bandmasters Association Convention, College Band Directors National Conference North/Northwest Regional Conference, and the Bands of America National Festival. He is active as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator in the United States. International engagements include Hungary, Canada, and Bulgaria. Dorsey’s commitment to community has been demonstrated by his participation on the board of directors for Music for All and the Midwest Clinic. He currently serves as the president of the Midwest Clinic. Other professional memberships include the College Band Directors National Association, National Association for Music Education, Florida Bandmasters Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma (honorary), Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. Dorsey is also an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association. Most recently Dorsey was named a Yamaha Master Educator. Repertoire TBA Application Process Please review the information below carefully before applying to attend. There are two tracks of involvement in the University of Georgia Conducting Symposium. Regardless of track, all applicants will submit a resume/CV. Due to high demand, participation is by invitation only. The UGA Bands conducting faculty will review all applications and notify those who have been selected via email. Payment is due by May 1, 2026. Applications Open: January 12, 2026 First Considerations for Conductors: January 31, 2026 First Considerations Invitations Sent Out: February 7, 2026 *All deadlines are in Eastern Standard Time Tracks Offered Conductor ($400) - Participants will conduct in sessions and video/audio-recorded performance. *Auditor ($95) - Participants may observe all sessions and interact with clinicians and musicians, but will have no podium time. *Auditor registration will remain open until TBA Get Started Apply using the link below. Application open January 12, 2026 *Please click here to fill out the application* Please prepare your CV/Resume and interest statement as PDF files. The application form will have fields where you can upload these documents. We would like to thank our sponsors: Pecknel and Conn Selmer Classic City Undergraduate Conducting Symposium Saturday, March 21, 2026 // Athens, Georgia The Classic City Conducting Symposium is a dynamic workshop designed specifically for undergraduate music education students looking to deepen their conducting skills and gain valuable teaching experience. This symposium provides an exceptional opportunity for emerging educators to receive hands-on training while learning from experienced conductors and educators. Participants will have the chance to conduct the UGA Wind Symphony, engage in detailed instructional rounds, and receive direct coaching from expert guest clinicians and faculty members. This program is designed to equip future music educators with the tools, techniques, and confidence they need to lead their own ensembles and inspire their students. Meet our UGA conducting faculty HERE. Guest clinicians Dr. Timothy Heath Dr. Timothy Heath is a distinguished conductor and Associate Teaching Professor of Music at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. As Director of Bands, he leads the university’s band program with artistic vision, inspiring musicianship, and a commitment to excellence. Timothy also teaches conducting and music literature, nurturing the next generation of musical leaders. Beyond the university, he serves as Music Director of the Triad Area Medical Orchestra, fostering connections between music and community. He is also the founder and Music Director of NexTonal, a chamber winds ensemble dedicated to innovative and dynamic programming. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to expanding the horizons of wind ensemble repertoire and performance. Timothy’s artistry has been showcased internationally as he conducts ensembles across the United States and Europe. His engaging style and collaborative approach have earned him invitations as a guest clinician and adjudicator. At the same time, his work with the Triad Area Medical Orchestra highlights his versatility in uniting diverse musical traditions. A passionate advocate for music education, Timothy has presented sessions and research at prestigious conferences on state, national, and international stages. His dedication to his craft and students embodies his vision of music as a transformative force that bridges communities and enriches lives. Repertoire Dum Spiro Spero - Chris Pilsner Rippling Watercolors - Brian Balmages First Suite in E-flat for Military Band - Gustav Holst, ed. Collin Matthews Illumination - David Maslanka Application Process Please review the information below carefully before applying to attend. All applicants must have completed conducting 1. Applications Open: December 15, 2025. First Considerations for Conductors: January 15, 2026 Registration fee: $50 Payment Portal Here *All deadlines are in Eastern Standard Time Track Offered Conductor ($50) - Participants will conduct sessions and receive video/audio-recorded performances. Get Started Please submit one letter of recommendation, and upload 2 minutes of conducting footage (conducting facing view). We recommend sending an Unlisted YouTube link of your video. The application form will have fields where you can upload your application materials. You will be able to submit your materials HERE on December 15, 2025
