Cascade Conducting Master Class

Cascade Conducting Masterclass

 “…a challenging business, yet a highly worthwhile and valuable art form.  Preserving one’s own talent, faith to the music, and performance integrity while navigating a successful path forward is imperative. Not only so that great symphonic music can live on be cherished by generations to come, but also so it may function as a relevant and effective platform for peace, expression, and understanding of our world.” 

~Sarah Ioannides

Attention:  The application deadline for the First Annual Cascade Composers Workshop has passed.  However, we are accepting auditor applications until June 1st.  Apply as an auditor here: Composers Application

The Third Annual Cascade Conducting Master Class and First Annual Cascade Composers Workshop at Pacific Lutheran University will take place June 14- 21, 2020. Symphony Tacoma conductor and music director Sarah Ioannides will lead 21 hours of quality instructional podium time featuring principal musicians from Symphony Tacoma.  On Saturday evening, June 20, the 15 full participants will present a concert in Lagerquist Hall at Pacific Lutheran University.  A professional video recording of the concert will be made available to participants.  In addition, six conductors will be selected to conduct the original works composed by participants of the Cascade Composers Workshop in a public reading/concert on Sunday, June 21.

Ioannides will lead score analysis and baton technique sessions. Guest speakers who possess experience working with conductors in a professional setting will share their insights into the variety of responsibilities unique to the conducting profession.

There will be round-table discussions with Sarah Ioannides and guest speakers about the realities of working as a professional conductor, including rehearsal techniques, business and media aspects, and navigating the application/audition process for professional conducting positions.

The First Annual Composers Workshop, in collaboration with Symphony Tacoma, will be led by their composer-in-residence, David Ludwig.  This workshop will take run June 17-21, 2020.  

Six composers age 35 or younger will be chosen to work under Dr. Ludwig’s guidance and write a piece which will be performed in concert by the Cascade Conducting Orchestra on Sunday, June 21.  The Workshop will also accept auditors (no age restriction). Visit the Cascade Composers Symposium page for more information.

Conducting Masterclass Tuition

Full Participants- $1650 ~  Full participants each receive 1.5 total hours of podium time, as well as the round table sessions, one-on-one time with Sarah Ioannides, and conduct the Cascade Conducting Orchestra in the final concert. Each full participant will conduct one movement. Six full participants will be chosen to conduct works written by the participants of the composer’s workshop in a new music reading/concert.

Conducting Auditors- $550 ~  Auditors receive 10 to 15 minutes of podium time with Sarah Ioannides as well as access to all of the daily score analysis, baton technique and round table Q and A sessions.

Full participants selected to play in the orchestra will receive a $300 discount (instrumental resume required).  Auditors will receive a $200 discount for playing in the orchestra.

Composer’s Workshop Tuition

Full Participant $600 ~ Full Participants will receive guidance from Dr. Ludwig as they create an original work for orchestra (max 15 minutes) to be performed in a final public reading/concert on June 21.

Auditor $150 ~ Auditors will be present for all of the group sessions during the workshop as well as the rehearsals and final concert.  There is no age restriction for auditors.

Discounted lodging and meals are available through Pacific Lutheran University.

Scholarships- A full scholarship for one “conducting fellow” will be offered as well as one full scholarship for a Latino conductor provided by the Orquesta Northwest.  Cascade Conducting may also offer a partial scholarships for an outstanding female conductor and for a local conductor.

Continuing Education at Pacific Lutheran University is offering 35 OSPI clock hours or 5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to participants who successfully complete the Cascade Conducting Masterclass. There is an additional fee of $50. PLU is an accredited provider of OSPI clock hours for courses. A PLU CEU is equivalent to 10 hours of work on a course.  Register for continuing education credits here.

Sarah Ioannides is currently the Music Director of Symphony Tacoma.  A former assistant conductor for the legendary teacher Otto-Werner Mueller, she has conducted orchestras of the highest level from around the world.  Read more about Sarah Ioannides, visit artist’s website,  read a complete resume.