Conductors Institute of South Carolina offers a behind-the-scenes look at the art of conducting

If you’ve ever wondered what conducting is all about, you can observe conductor training at USC during the Conductors Institute of South Carolina June 3 through 15. Sessions are free and open to the public and provide a rare behind-the-scene look at the art of conducting. Visitors can watch conductors working with string ensembles, chamber groups, and full orchestra Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Koger Center for the Arts.

Dozens of conductors from around the world converge on campus for the Conductors Institute. More than 1,000 conductors, both novices and veterans of the podium, have participated in the world-renowned Institute since Maestro Donald Portnoy founded it 30 years ago. Portnoy, music director of the University of South Carolina Symphony Orchestra and director of orchestral studies at the university, has conducted major orchestras throughout the globe.

Students of the Institute receive training from guest conductors and composers with vast experience in the commercial, academic and professional worlds of music that share their expertise with participants. Veteran conductors offer constructive criticism and encouragement, and each student has daily podium time focusing on the details of conducting-enhancing skills to achieve a greater command with their orchestral forces.

The Institute offers a 15-day program for conductors with a moderate to advanced level of conducting experience, and a 10-day program for those with more limited conducting experience.

In conjunction with the Southeastern Piano Festival, the community can also observe the Conductors Institute Apprenticeship Program on June 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. This program allows the festival’s past participants to gain valuable experience collaborating with different conductors in a rehearsal setting.

For more information about the Conductors Institute of South Carolina, visit http://www.sc.edu/music/community/summer_programs/conductors_institute/index.php or email the Conductors Institute or call 803-777-7500.