The Utah Tech University Music Department is proud to host the 7th Annual Conducting Symposium this November. This event brings outstanding clinicians from around the world to work with music educators and conductors from across the nation. This year’s featured clinicians include Dr. Wesley Broadnax, Director of Bands at the University of Northern Colorado, and Dr. Jason Missal, Director of Bands at the University of Utah. The symposium is directed by Dr. Bryant Smith, Director of Bands at Utah Tech University.
The primary goal of the symposium is to serve as a resource for regional music teachers and collegiate music students by providing access to world-class musicians and educators. The event offers a variety of professional development workshop sessions where participants can interact personally with the clinicians. A select number of attendees are also given the opportunity to conduct the Utah Tech Symphonic Band and receive individualized feedback from the guest clinicians. The symposium is open to anyone interested in the art of conducting.
A remarkable aspect of the symposium is that it is largely student-run. Each year, two student leaders are selected to manage all logistical needs for the weekend. This year Charlie Bryson and Mikey Richardson lead teams of Utah Tech music students who volunteer their time to tasks ranging from equipment management to video archiving. Members of the Symphonic Band also play a vital role, performing as the featured ensemble in both a public concert and workshop sessions. Within just 48 hours, these musicians rehearse and perform under the direction of up to 15 different conductors—an outstanding example of Active Learning prompting musical growth.
Organized in collaboration with the Washington County School District, the symposium has become an important annual event for professional music educators in the region. One local teacher shared, “I thoroughly enjoyed every minute spent at the symposium and walked away feeling inspired and ready to tackle some new challenges. I’m hoping that the techniques I learned will result in higher levels of learning in my classroom, and I look forward to implementing some new ideas.”
According to Dr. Smith, feedback like this highlights the symposium’s core mission—supporting and inspiring educators. “I love the learning, the camaraderie, and the people who come to this event,” he said. “I created the UT Conducting Symposium hoping that UT students and regional educators would leave excited about practical techniques they can use while conducting ensembles. I’m grateful that we can continue to bring this wonderful experience to Utah Tech each year.”
The 2025 Conductors Symposium will be held November 21–22. The Utah Tech Symphonic Band concert will take place Friday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Eccles Concert Hall. Tickets are available at the Utah Tech Ticket Office or online at https://utahtech.edu/ticket-office/. Those interested in attending the symposium can find more information and register at https://music.utahtech.edu/conducting-symposium/