Conducting Symposium

Please join us for the 2026 Utah Tech University Conducting Symposium! You will have the opportunity to spend two days learning and growing musically with two outstanding musicians, educators, and clinicians, Colonel Don Schofield, Commander and Conductor of the United States Air Force Band, and LTJG Adele Demi, Assistant Director of the U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band.  We also expect a guest appearance from the Utah National Guard 23rd Army Band and a performance of the Utah Tech Symphonic Band in the newly renovated America First Performing Arts Center.  This experience will leave you inspired and ready to take great tools into your life and career.

Title:  Utah Tech University Conducting Symposium

Dates:  November 20-21, 2026

Location:  America First Performing Arts Center, Utah Tech University, St. George, UT

Featured Guest Clinicians Colonel Don Schofield and LTJG Adele Demi

Contact: Dr. Bryant Smith, Director of Bands, 435-652-7997 bryant.smith@utahtech.edu

1:00 – 3:30pm           Check in and/or late registration

1:30 – 2:45pm            Lecture Session Collegiate Music Ed Students

3:00 – 4:15pm            Welcome and Conducting Session #1 with the UT Symphonic Band

4:30 – 5:45pm            Lecture Session with Don Schofield

7:30pm                        Symphonic Band Concert

7:15 – 8:00am             Donuts

8:00 – 9:15am             Lecture Session with Adele Demi

9:30am – 11:00pm     Conducting Session #2 with the UT Symphonic Band

11:00 – 12:00pm         Lunch

12:00 – 1:15pm            Lecture Session with Don Schofield

1:30 – 2:45pm             Lecture Session with Adele Demi

3:00 – 4:00pm            Closing Thoughts/Question and Answer Session

4:00 – 6:00pm            Dinner/Social

Conductor Participant 

Those who choose this option, and are selected, will conduct members of the UT Symphonic Band and/or other participants, and will be learning personally from Don Schofield and Adele Demi while on the podium.  Your session will be recorded and sent digitally to you.  Those who wish to conduct should indicate this on the registration form.  Conductors may choose one selection from the repertoire list below.  Conductors will be selected on a “first-come-first-serve” basis and will be notified of their status in early – October.  They will also be able to attend dinner and the UT Symphonic Band performance.

Observer Participant:

Those who choose this option will be participating by attending in person the lectures and conducting sessions.  Observers will have the opportunity to watch others conduct and learn from the insights given them by the clinicians.  They will also be able to attend the dinner and UT Symphonic Band performance.

TBD

The fees for the 2025 symposium are as follows:

1)    Washington County School District Employees – Free

2)    Collegiate Students – $30

3)    Observer track – $125.00

4)    Conductor track – $150.00  (limited number)

Includes access to all sessions on UT campus, lunch and dinner on Saturday, and a ticket to the UT Symphonic Band concert on Friday.

Current teachers may receive professional development certificates for participation in this symposium.  Certificates will be made available at the end of Saturday by Robert Schmidt of Washington County School District and Bryant Smith from UT.