Conductor Apprentice Program
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Conductor Apprentice Program (CAP) is designed to provide young musicians interested in pursuing the field of conducting the opportunity and experiences necessary to begin that journey.
CAP apprentice(s) receive regular coachings and lessons on various topics relevant to the technique of conducting. Topics include baton technique, score analysis, ear training, music theory, and rehearsal management. The apprentice(s) will have the opportunity to attend rehearsals of Symphony Tacoma to observe the conducting and rehearsal techniques of their music director and guest conductors. Apprentice(s) will also have the opportunity to conduct ensembles of TYSA. The culmination of the program will consist of an opportunity to conduct one of the orchestras of TYSA in performance; scheduling of this opportunity will be made at the discretion of the Music Director.
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
The Conductor Apprentice Program is open to any current or former TYSA member or local college student between 16 and 21 years of age as of September 1, 2024. The application process for this program includes the completion of an online application form, the submission of a personal essay, an interview with a panel of mentors, and a short demonstration of basic conducting techniques. All materials (baton, musical scores, etc.) will be provided by TYSA.
SCHEDULE
Coachings will be held biweekly on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:50 PM in the TYSA offices:
Wednesday, October 9
Wednesday, October 23
Wednesday, November 6
Wednesday, November 20
Wednesday, December 4
Wednesday, December 18
No session will be held on Wednesday, January 1
Wednesday, January 15
Wednesday, January 29
Wednesday, February 12
Wednesday, February 26
Wednesday, March 12
Wednesday, March 26
Wednesday, April 2
Wednesday, April 16
Wednesday, April 30
Wednesday, May 14
FACULTY
Students in the Conductor Apprentice Program will be mentored primarily by Dr. James Welsch, the Music Director of TYSA. The apprentice(s) will also interact with the musical leaders in the South Sound community and its main musical organizations. These mentors would include, but not be limited to, Symphony Tacoma artistic personnel and other professional musicians in the South Sound area.
COST AND FINANCIAL AID
After your application materials are reviewed and accepted, the registration fee for this program is as follows:
• $225 for current/former TYSA students
• $450 for all other eligible participants
You have the option of paying online OR mailing a check to the TYSA offices—more information will be shared with you after you have been notified of your acceptance to the program.
Need-based scholarships are available for CAP participants (please submit the “Season Scholarship Application” form to operations@tysamusic.org by October 1st).
APPLICATION
The application form, including your personal essay, must be submitted online by October 1, 2024. Your materials will be reviewed, and you will receive a follow-up email to schedule a short interview. Please note that program space is limited.