by Author Nick Thorne

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Develop your inclusive ensemble leadership skills with Conductors for Change

Conductors for Change gives music leaders the tools, strategies and practical conducting techniques to set up a new instrumental ensemble, or develop an existing one. Created by a team of highly experienced music directors and educators this flexible programme of hands-on training days is rooted in inclusive practice.

Does your school need a new orchestra, but you need some new ideas?

Is there an NQT in your department who needs some extra support before getting started?

Do you dream of a big school concert that includes all of your young musicians - grade 0 to grade 8 - but struggle to make it work?

Are you looking for ways to make your rehearsals more impactful, and your young musicians more reflective?

We are delighted to let you know about our new Conducting Days - hands-on training in leading inclusive instrumental groups. 

What do Conducting Days involve? You will work with a mixed-ability, school orchestra for a day to develop conducting and rehearsing skills in a real musical setting. Conducting Days will be led by Bob Pepper MBE who will provide expert guidance and tuition in a series of conducting workshops focusing on the key aspects of conducting a mixed-ability instrumental ensemble. The number of participants is limited so that each receives plenty of opportunity for conducting practice and personalised feedback. Conductors for Change has been created by experienced conductors and qualified music teachers bringing together high-quality ensemble conducting and outstanding teaching and learning. The programme draws young musicians into the rehearsal process, promoting active learning and reflective practice to help develop musical independence and collaborative skills. Conductors for Change learning content is transferable to curriculum classroom music and demonstrates excellence in music teaching practice. 

"It’s quite scary getting up to conduct for the first time so to do it in a safe space was great!" - CFC Participant 2016-2017

Conducting Day 1: Introduction to Conducting For music teachers and leaders who have little or no conducting experience. 

Conducting Day 1 focuses on start-up skills in conducting technique 

But also includes:

  • Planning inclusive and engaging rehearsals
  • Selecting repertoire and preparing the score
  • Making the music accessible to all
  • Developing active and reflective young musicians  

You can take part in Conducting Day 1 on:

27 February 2018 at George Salter Academy, West Bromwich, West Midlands or 1 March 2018 or King Edward VI Community College, Totnes, Devon

Fee: £125 - your place on the Conducting Day is generously supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation

Click here to book your place for Conducting Day 1!

For more information on Conductors for Change and the Conducting Days, contact CFC Programme Manager Emma Oliver-Trend at emma.oliver-trend@orchestrasforall.org or on 0207 267 4141 - and more information is available on our website.