The Pacific Northwest Conducting Institute held on beautiful Whidbey Island provides a unique opportunity and experience for music educators, student conductors, as well as seasoned professionals. The six day workshop, sponsored by Saratoga Orchestra of Whidbey Island and Music Director Anna Edwards, will feature generous amounts of podium time for Active Conductor participants, networking events, and special topic discussion sessions geared toward the "business" of conducting. Housing is provided in guest homes for Active participants.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
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"The PNWCI was an enriching experience in a wonderful part of the country. The ability to work with a great orchestra was remarkable."
- Matt S., Boston "This was an amazing experience, it was such a positive environment and Diane and Anna were always encouraging and personalizing their advice, we all come from different paths and have different bodies and quirks, they were just perfect in figuring out what we all needed to work on and I think every participant benefited greatly from this workshop. I highly recommend it." - Iliana F., Puebla, Mexico "This has been one of the best festival experiences I have had. Thank you so much for the experience." - Bobby C., Seattle "As a young woman, the opportunities to study under two female conductors has been so inspiring and I have learned so much in a short time. The repertoire is some of my favorite music, the location is beautiful and refreshing, and the orchestra has shown such wonderful hospitality and support. I'm incredibly grateful to have participated in this workshop." Emily K., Nashville "I was very impressed with the organization and learning environment created by all those involved from Diane and Anna, to the musicians and amazing supportive staff and sponsors. Every moment in the week long intensive workshop was centered on bringing out and developing the conducting skills of all those involved. This was done in a supportive environment that allowed for musical risk taking and great opportunities to grow as an educator and conductor. Thank you for such a special week!!" - Dave H., San Francisco |
2020 REPERTOIRE
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FACULTY
Named as one of the "Top 30 Music Influencers" by Musical America Worldwide, Conductor, DIANE WITTRY, is the Music Director and Conductor of the Allentown Symphony, PA and the Music Director and Conductor of the Garden State Philharmonic, NJ. Diane Wittry is known for her innovative programming and her engaging audience rapport. She is a conductor who “specializes in finding creative ways to make the music fresh, accessible, and exciting.”
Diane Wittry has led performances by the Milwaukee Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the San Diego Symphony, the Houston Symphony, the New Jersey Symphony, the Buffalo Philharmonic, the Osaka Symphony (Japan), the Sarajevo Philharmonic (Bosnia), Sias Symphony (China), among others. She has also conducted at the music festivals of Ojai (CA), Penn’s Woods (PA), and I-Park (CT). During the past few seasons, she has conducted concerts in 11 countries as well as concerts in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.
Diane Wittry is sought after as a teacher of conducting. Her book Beyond the Baton, (Oxford University Press) about artistic leadership for conductors has become a standard text for the industry. Her second book, Baton Basics - Communicating Music through Gestures, is used at Universities for their conducting classes and for International Conducting Workshops in Bulgaria, Ukraine, and the United States.
Wittry has been the subject of profiles in The New York Times and Newsweek, and has received many honors and awards, including the American Symphony Orchestra League’s Helen M. Thompson Award for outstanding artistic leadership of a regional orchestra. She is also only the third American to be named - in recognition of her leadership in the arts and humanities - the recipient of the prestigious Fiorino Doro Award from the City of Vinci, Italy.
More information about Diane Wittry's work is available at: www.DianeWittry.com
Diane Wittry has led performances by the Milwaukee Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the San Diego Symphony, the Houston Symphony, the New Jersey Symphony, the Buffalo Philharmonic, the Osaka Symphony (Japan), the Sarajevo Philharmonic (Bosnia), Sias Symphony (China), among others. She has also conducted at the music festivals of Ojai (CA), Penn’s Woods (PA), and I-Park (CT). During the past few seasons, she has conducted concerts in 11 countries as well as concerts in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.
Diane Wittry is sought after as a teacher of conducting. Her book Beyond the Baton, (Oxford University Press) about artistic leadership for conductors has become a standard text for the industry. Her second book, Baton Basics - Communicating Music through Gestures, is used at Universities for their conducting classes and for International Conducting Workshops in Bulgaria, Ukraine, and the United States.
Wittry has been the subject of profiles in The New York Times and Newsweek, and has received many honors and awards, including the American Symphony Orchestra League’s Helen M. Thompson Award for outstanding artistic leadership of a regional orchestra. She is also only the third American to be named - in recognition of her leadership in the arts and humanities - the recipient of the prestigious Fiorino Doro Award from the City of Vinci, Italy.
More information about Diane Wittry's work is available at: www.DianeWittry.com
Anna Edwards has made a significant impact to the Seattle music scene as a performing artist, music instructor, and orchestra conductor. After performing as a professional violinist and music educator for over 25 years, Anna shifted her focus from instrumentalist to conductor. After training with Michael Jinbo at the renowned Pierre Monteux School for three seasons, she received her Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Washington. She currently balances her time between conducting in the Pacific Northwest, serving as a guest conductor/clinician across the country, and developing young musicians through instruction and collaboration with professionals in concert settings.
Anna leads the Saratoga Orchestra as Music Director and is founder, and music director of the Seattle Collaborative Orchestra. She is also currently the Interim Music Advisor and Conductor for the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra. Anna is dedicated to nurturing young talent and creating musical diversity through innovative approaches to music education through creative programming and audience engagement in her role as Music Director in these ensembles.
As music director of the Seattle Collaborative Orchestra (SCO), Anna's enthusiasm for promoting talented youth, creating community engagement, and nurturing musicality have been described as “… a win, win, win venture on so many levels…. Anna Edwards has taken a creative approach to career development and continuing education, community building, music education, re-invigoration of classical music, [and] encouraging the creation of new music...this really had it all.” – Dave Beck
Anna leads the Saratoga Orchestra as Music Director and is founder, and music director of the Seattle Collaborative Orchestra. She is also currently the Interim Music Advisor and Conductor for the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra. Anna is dedicated to nurturing young talent and creating musical diversity through innovative approaches to music education through creative programming and audience engagement in her role as Music Director in these ensembles.
As music director of the Seattle Collaborative Orchestra (SCO), Anna's enthusiasm for promoting talented youth, creating community engagement, and nurturing musicality have been described as “… a win, win, win venture on so many levels…. Anna Edwards has taken a creative approach to career development and continuing education, community building, music education, re-invigoration of classical music, [and] encouraging the creation of new music...this really had it all.” – Dave Beck
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PODIUM TIME
Conducting Fellows Up to 10 Conducting Fellows will be chosen to conduct portions of the final concert.
Conducting Associates Up to 6 Conducting Associates will be chosen.
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2020 PNWCI TUITION
Conducting Fellows - $2750 Conducting Associates - $1500 Auditors - $500 A $50.00 non-refundable registration fee will be applied to tuition if chosen.
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IMPORTANT DATES
January 15, 2020 - Registration Open
April 30, 2020 - Priority Applications Due
May 15, 2020 - Notification of Acceptance via email
June 1, 2020 - $500 Non-Refundable Hold Deposit Due
June 15, 2020 - Balance of Full Payment Due
Preference will be given to applications in the order they are received by the above dates.
There may be cancellations after the dealine, so please inquire if positions are still available.
IMPORTANT DATES
January 15, 2020 - Registration Open
April 30, 2020 - Priority Applications Due
May 15, 2020 - Notification of Acceptance via email
June 1, 2020 - $500 Non-Refundable Hold Deposit Due
June 15, 2020 - Balance of Full Payment Due
Preference will be given to applications in the order they are received by the above dates.
There may be cancellations after the dealine, so please inquire if positions are still available.
Active Conductor Applicants will be required to submit a CV or Music Resumé, Professional References and Video Clips.
Auditors may submit a Music Resumé or CV at a minimum.
Auditors may submit a Music Resumé or CV at a minimum.
Active Conductors (Fellows and Associates) should arrive on Whidbey Island Monday morning and depart following the final concert. Accommodation will be made for those needing to arrive one day prior or depart one day after the final concert as necessary.
Auditors will be invited to observe all podium sessions and participate in all study and special topic sessions. Auditing is an excellent way to study the scores and learn from the faculty and from your colleagues. Auditors will be responsible for their own housing arrangements but we are happy to make suggestions.
All conducting sessions will be videotaped. A SD card will be provided for rehearsal sessions, with a viewing station available for video review. The final performance will be professionally videotaped with pro audio.
Auditors will be invited to observe all podium sessions and participate in all study and special topic sessions. Auditing is an excellent way to study the scores and learn from the faculty and from your colleagues. Auditors will be responsible for their own housing arrangements but we are happy to make suggestions.
All conducting sessions will be videotaped. A SD card will be provided for rehearsal sessions, with a viewing station available for video review. The final performance will be professionally videotaped with pro audio.
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RESIDENT ENSEMBLE
The Saratoga Summer Festival Orchestra is comprised of some of the finest musicians from Seattle and the Pacific Northwest region . GO HERE FOR VIDEO FROM PNWCI FINAL CONCERTS |
PRELIMINARY WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Monday |
9:30 - 11:30am Overview, Introductions, Session #1 1:00 – 3:30pm Session #2 3:30 – 6:00pm Session #3 6:00 – 8:00pm Informal Meet & Greet Dinner |
Tuesday |
9:00 – 11:30am Rehearsal #1 with piano and string quartet 11:30 – 1:00pm Lunch Break 1:00 – 3:30pm Rehearsal #2 with piano and string quartet 4:00 – 5:30pm Rehearsal #3 with piano and string quartet 5:30 – 7:00pm Dinner Break 7:00 – 9:00pm Special Topic Seminar |
Wednesday |
9:00 – 11:30am Rehearsal #1 with piano and string quartet 11:30 – 1:00pm Lunch Break 1:00 – 3:30pm Rehearsal #2 with piano and string quartet 4:00 – 5:30pm Rehearsal #3 with piano and string quartet 5:30 – 7:00pm Dinner Break 7:00 – 8:30pm Special Topic Seminar |
Thursday |
9:00 – 11:30am Rehearsal #1 with full orchestra 11:30 – 1:00pm Lunch Break 1:00 – 3:30pm Rehearsal #2 with full orchestra 4:00 – 5:30pm Rehearsal discussion/ Q&A 5:30 – 9:00pm Dinner Break & Evening Networking Activity |
Friday |
9:00 – 11:30am Rehearsal #1 with full orchestra 11:30 – 1:00pm Lunch Break 1:00 – 3:30pm Rehearsal #2 with full orchestra 4:00 – 5:30pm Special Topic: Rehearsal discussion / Q&A 5:30 – 7:00pm Dinner Break 7:00 – 8:30pm Evening Networking Activity |
Saturday |
9:30a – 12:00p Dress Rehearsal with orchestra (Conducting Fellows) 12:00p – 1:00p Lunch Break 1:15p - 1:45p Pre-Concert Chat 2:00 – 4:30p Concert with Saratoga Summer Festival Orchestra (Conducting Fellows) 5pm Post-Concert Reception |
*Schedule and discussion topics subject to change
2019 REPERTOIRE
Ludwig van Beethoven - Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92
Gioachino Rossini – Overture to L’Italiana in Algeri
Maurice Ravel – Le Tombeau de Couperin
Camille Saint-Saëns – Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33
with Walter Gray, soloist
Stacy Garrop - Penelope Waits from “Mythology Symphony”
2018 REPERTOIRE
Johannes Brahms - Symphony No. 2, Op. 73
Felix Mendelssohn - Violin Concerto, Op. 64
with Maria Larionoff, violin soloist
Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel - Overture in C Major
Manuel de Falla - The Three-Cornered Hat, Suite No. 1
2017 REPERTOIRE
Antonín Dvořák - Symphony No. 9 in E minor, "From the New World", Op. 95
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64
Diane Wittry - Mist (2007)
QUESTIONS? We are happy to answer them. email: orchestra@whidbey.com or call 360-929-3045.
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GETTING HERE
The Pacific Northwest Conducting Institute is headquartered in Langley, WA
at Langley United Methodist Church and Whidbey Island Center for the Arts. Affectionately known as the "Village by the Sea", Langley is home to exquisite art galleries, one-of a-kind shops, unique outdoor adventures and some really great dining options. Situated on a bluff above the Salish Sea's Saratoga Passage, the views aren't half-bad either! |
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Arriving by Air
Seattle-Tacoma Int'l Airport (SEA) is the closest major airport to Whidbey Island with numerous options to most domestic and international routes. Alaska and United airlines have started serving Everett's Paine Field (PAE) with direct service from many major western US cities. Bellingham (BLI) and Vancouver B.C., Canada (YVR) may also be a viable option depending on your departure city. Flights to SEA are often full due to the busy cruiseship season. Book early! Airport Shuttle If you are flying into Sea-Tac or Paine Field, the most economical and quickest way to get to the island is Whidbey SeaTac Shuttle. Arriving by Car If you are driving to Whidbey Island from points south, you can take the ferry from the Mukilteo terminal which is 24 miles north of downtown Seattle and just off the I-5. Ferry The ferry from Mukilteo on the mainland will get you to Clinton on Whidbey Island. The ferry ride is about a twenty minute sailing and ferries leave approximately every 30 minutes. During the summer, the ferry can be quite busy and you may experience an extended wait time. The airport shuttle has first priority in loading, so there will be no extended wait if this is your option. Over the Bridge If you are coming from points north of Whidbey Island, you can cross to the island on Highway 20 via Deception Pass Bridge which connects the north of Whidbey to the mainland. The views are spectacular! For tourist information on Whidbey Island, visit: http://whidbeycamanoislands.com/ http://visitlangley.com/ |
We are happy to discuss your various transportation options with you.
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Community Partners
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Saratoga Orchestra of Whidbey Island
P.O. Box 1524 | Langley, WA 98260
©2020
P.O. Box 1524 | Langley, WA 98260
©2020
