Activities will include active sessions with the Directors Band, as well as panel discussions and clinics on topics including literature, score study, rehearsal techniques, ensemble motivation, conducting technique, and personal musical growth. All attendees perform with the Directors Band, so plan to bring your instrument.
Conducting Participants
Eighteen conductors will conduct the Directors Band twice and attend all sessions. Conducting Participant status is designed for conductors with a minimum of a completed bachelor’s degree in music and one year of experience in either a teaching situation or graduate conducting study.
These slots are first come, first served. Register early if you would like to conduct!
Non-Conducting Participants
Non-Conducting participants will attend all sessions but will not conduct the ensembles. Non-Conducting status is recommended for and open to musicians at all levels. Registration is not limited.
Cost
The $85 registration fee includes a catered lunch on Friday, parking, and all sessions and materials.
Conductors Conference Repertoire 2025
Subject to change
Australian Up-Country Tune — Percy Grainger
Chester — William Schuman
Cumberland Cross — Carl Strommen
Folk Song Suite — Ralph Vaughan Williams
Second Suite in F — Gustav Holst
Kentucky 1800 — Clare Grundman
Overture for Winds — Charles Carter
Prelude, Siciliano, and Rondo — Malcolm Arnold
The Red Balloon — Anne McGinty
Simple Gifts: Four Shaker Songs — Frank Ticheli
Variations on a Korean Folk Song — John Barnes Chance
Michael Haithcock retired from his duties as director of bands and professor of music (Conducting) at the University of Michigan in May of 2023 after twenty-two years of distinguished leadership which followed his twenty-three years at Baylor University. Following in the footsteps of William D. Revelli and H. Robert Reynolds, Professor Haithcock conducted the internationally renowned University of Michigan Symphony Band, guided the acclaimed band and wind ensemble graduate conducting program, and provided administrative leadership for all aspects of the University of Michigan’s diverse and historic band program. In February of 2012, he was named an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor by the University of Michigan which is the University’s highest award for excellence in undergraduate teaching. He is the primary author of the Elements of Expressive Conducting, a widely adapted textbook for conducting classes.
Ensembles under Haithcock’s guidance received a wide array of critical acclaim for their high artistic standards of performance and repertoire. These accolades have come through concert reviews at national and state conventions, performances in major concert venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York City, Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and a variety of performances presented during the Symphony Band’s May 2011 tour of China, as well as recordings on the Albany, Arsis, and Equilibrium labels. Reviews of the ten commercial CD’s he recorded with the U-M Symphony Band stated, “programming and execution of this caliber ought to be available worldwide…musically impressive, giving a sense of elation.” The American Record Guide praised the “professional manner with which the group delivers…they show great skill and artistry” and proclaimed the “sound of the U-M Symphony Band is something to savor.” The University of Michigan Symphony Band’s YouTube channel is also a highly acclaimed resource for bands around the world as well as an important archive of his artistic accomplishments while director of bands at U-M.
Throughout his career, Professor Haithcock has been a leader in commissioning and premiering new works for band and has earned the praise of both composers and conductors for his innovative approaches to developing the band repertoire as well as his interpretations of new and standard works. He is in constant demand as a guest conductor with professional ensembles, major universities, all-state, and festival ensembles. He is also a resource person for conducting symposiums and workshops in a variety of instructional settings.
A graduate of East Carolina University, where he received the 1996 Outstanding Alumni Award from the School of Music, and Baylor University, Haithcock has done additional study at a variety of conducting workshops including the Herbert Blomstedt Orchestral Conducting Institute. The Instrumentalist, the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, The School Musician, the Southwest Music Educator, and Winds Magazine have published his articles on conducting and wind literature.
Professor Haithcock is an elected member of both the music honor society Pi Kappa Lambda and the American Bandmasters Association. He remains active in the College Band Directors National Association following his term as president (2001–2003) and was given the organizations Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. In 2011, he was awarded the Distinguished Service to Music Medal by Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.
Sample Schedule
| THURSDAY | |
|---|---|
| 6:30–7:10 p.m. | Arrive at UNCG; report to Music Building Lobby for check-in |
| 7:15–9:00 p.m. | Opening Lecture |
| FRIDAY | |
| 8:30–10:00 a.m. | Conducting Session – (have your instrument & have your baton!) Room 146, Music Building |
| 10:00–10:28 a.m. | Break, Refreshments in the Atrium, 2nd floor |
| 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Conducting Sessions, Music Building |
| 12:00–1:05 p.m. | Catered Lunch for Conductors Conference & Clinicians (included in fee) |
| 1:05–2:30 p.m. | Conducting Sessions (have your instrument & have your baton!), Music Building |
| 2:30–2:45 p.m. | Break, Refreshments in the Atrium, 2nd floor |
| 2:45–3:45 p.m. | Instrumental Pedagogy Clinic(s) with UNCG School of Music Faculty |
| 3:45–4:00 p.m. | Break |
| 4:00–5:00 p.m. | Instrumental Pedagogy Clinic(s) with UNCG School of Music Faculty |
| 5:00–6:00 p.m. | Dinner (on your own) |
| 6:00–7:00 p.m. | Observe Honor Band Rehearsal |
| Symphonic Band in Room 111, Music Bldg. | |
| Concert Band in UNCG Auditorium | |
| 7:30–9:15 p.m. | UNCG Wind Ensemble Concert, UNCG Auditorium |
| SATURDAY | |
| 9:00–10:00 a.m. | Conducting Sessions, Music Building |
| 10:00 –10:15 a.m. | Coffee Break |
| 10:15 –11:15 a.m. | Panel Discussion |
| 11:30 a.m. | Students change into concert clothes, check out of hotel, have lunch on your own |
| 2:00 p.m. | Honor Band Concerts in UNCG Auditorium (open to the public) |
| Concert Band, Dr. LaToya Webb | |
| Symphonic Band, Dr. Courtney Snyder |
Registration for the 35th Annual Carolina Band Festival and Conductors Conference will open Fall 2024.
The Carolina Band Festival and Conductors Conference has brought the very finest guest conductors and conducting clinicians in America to the UNCG Campus each year since 1990.
Carolina Band Festival and Conductors Conference Clinicians
2024
Symphonic Band: Courtney Snyder – Associate Director of Bands, University of Michigan
Concert Band: LaToya Webb – Director, Laurier Wind Orchestra, Wilfried Laurier University
Conductors Conference: Kevin Sedatole – Director of Bands, Michigan State University
2023
Symphonic Band: Andrea E. Brown – Associate Director of Bands, University of Maryland
Concert Band: Patricia Cornett – Director of Bands, Temple University
Conductors Conference: Scott Teeple – Director of Bands, University of Wisconsin
2022
Symphonic Band: Eric Wilson – Director of Bands, Baylor University
Concert Band: Damien Crutcher – CEO, Crescendo Detroit, Wayne State University
Conductors Conference: H. Robert Reynolds – Director of Bands Emeritus, University of Michigan
2020 (cancelled due to inclement weather)
11-12 Honor Band: Sarah McKoin – Director of Bands, Texas Tech University
9-10 Honor Band: Andrea E. Brown – Associate Director of Bands, University of Maryland
Conductors Conference: Jerry Junkin – Director of Bands, University of Texas at Austin
2019
11-12 Honor Band: Col. Michael Colburn (Ret.) – Director of Bands, Butler University; “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band
9-10 Honor Band: Catherine Rand – Director of Bands, University of Southern Mississippi
Conductors Conference: Mallory Thompson – Director of Bands, Northwestern University
2018
11-12 Honor Band: Stephen Peterson – Director of Bands, University of Illinois
9-10 Honor Band: Elizabeth Peterson – Associate Director of Bands, University of Illinois
Conductors Conference: Craig Kirchoff – Director of Bands Emeritus, University of Minnesota
2017
11-12 Honor Band: Col. Lowell Graham – Director of Orchestral Activities, University of Texas at El Paso, Retired Conductor U.S. Air Force Band, Washington, DC
9-10 Honor Band: Stuart Sims – Director of Instrumental Studies California State University, Stanislaus
Conductors Conference: Scott Rush – Conductor, Charleston Wind Symphony, Author, “Habits” Series for GIA Publications
2016
11-12 Honor Band: Russel Mikkelson – Director of Bands, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
9-10 Honor Band: Damon Talley – Director of Bands, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Conductors Conference: Eric Wilson – Director of Bands, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
2015
11-12 Honor Band: John Locke and Kevin Geraldi, Conductors, UNCG
9-10 Honor Band: Terry Austin – Director of Bands, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
Conductors Conference: Jack Stamp – Director of Bands, Composer & Department Chair, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Pennsylvania
2014
Snowed Out!
2013
11-12 Honor Band: Frank Wickes – Director of Bands Emeritus, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
9-10 Honor Band: Bruce Moss – Director of Bands, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio
Conductors Conference: Gary Green – Director of Bands, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
2012
11-12 Honor Band: Eugene Migliaro Corporon – Director of Wind Studies, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
9-10 Honor Band: Mark Camphouse – Director of Wind Ensemble & composer in Residence, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Conductors Conference: Ed Lisk – Internationally acclaimed author/clinician/conductor
2011
11-12 Honor Band: Richard Floyd – State Director of Music, University of Texas, Conductor, Austin Symphonic Band
9-10 Honor Band: Sue Samuels – Director of Bands, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Conductors Conference: Michael Haithcock – Director of Bands, University of Michigan
2010
11-12 Honor Band: Gary Green – Director of Bands, University of Miami
9-10 Honor Band: Rodney Dorsey – Associate Director of Bands, University of Michigan
Conductors Conference: Donald Hunsberger – Conductor Emeritus, Eastman Wind Ensemble
2009
11-12 Honor Band: Frank Ticheli – Professor of Composition, University of Southern California
9-10 Honor Band: Eric Wilson – Director of Bands, Baylor University
Conductors Conference: H. Robert Reynolds – Director of Bands Emeritus, University of Michigan
2008
11-12 Honor Band: Don Wilcox – Director of Bands Emeritus, West Virginia University
9-10 Honor Band: Brian Doyle – Director of Bands, Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam
Conductors Conference: Richard Clary – Wind Ensemble Conductor, Florida State University
2007
11-12 Honor Band: Kevin Sedatole – Director of Bands, Michigan State University
9-10 Honor Band: Scott Teeple – Director of Bands, University of Wisconsin
Conductors Conference: Craig Kirchhoff – Director of Bands, University of Minnesota
2006
11-12 Honor Band: Michael Haithcock – Director of Bands, University of Michigan
9-10 Honor Band: Marcellus Brown – Director of Bands, Boise State University
Conductors Conference: Richard Gregory – Conductor, Tara Winds
2005
11-12 Honor Band: Tom Fraschillo – Director of Bands, University of Southern Mississippi
9-10 Honor Band: Timothy Rhea – Director of Bands, Texas A & M University
Conductors Conference: Ed Lisk – Internationally acclaimed author/clinician/conductor
2004
11-12 Honor Band: Tom Leslie – Director of Bands, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
9-10 Honor Band: Julian White – Director of Bands, Florida A & M State University
Conductors Conference: Jerry Junkin – Director of Bands, University of Texas
2003
11-12 Honor Band: Gary Hill – Director of Bands, Arizona State University
9-10 Honor Band: John Carmichael – Director of Bands, Western Kentucky University
Conductors Conference: Stanley Michalski – Director of Bands Emeritus, Clarion University
2002
11-12 Honor Band: Ray Cramer – Director of Bands, Indiana University
9-10 Honor Band: Hal Cooper – Director of Bands, Arkansas Tech University
Conductors Conference: Mark Kelly – Director of Bands Emeritus, Bowling Green State University
2001
11-12 Honor Band: Gary Green – Director of Bands, University of Miami
9-10 Honor Band: Stephen Gage – Director of Bands, Youngstown State University
Conductors Conference: W. Francis McBeth – Internationally acclaimed composer/clinician
2000
11-12 Honor Band: Ken Bloomquist – Director of Bands Emeritus, Michigan State University
9-10 Honor Band: Linda Moorhouse – Associate Director of Bands, Louisiana State University
Conductors Conference: Richard Miles – Director of Bands, Morehead State University
1999
11-12 Honor Band: Jack Stamp – Director of Bands, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
9-10 Honor Band: Andrea Strauss – Director of Bands, Georgia Tech University
Conductors Conference: Ed Lisk – Internationally acclaimed author/clinician/conductor
1998
11-12 Honor Band: James Croft – Director of Bands, Florida State University
9-10 Honor Band: Les Hicken – Director of Bands, Furman University
Conductors Conference: Frank Wickes – Director of Bands, Louisiana State University
1997
11-12 Honor Band: David Waybright – Director of Bands, University of Florida
9-10 Honor Band: Paula Crider – Director of Longhorn Bands, University of Texas
Conductors Conference: Craig Kirchhoff – Director of Bands, University of Minnesota
1996
11-12 Honor Band: Col. John Bourgeois – Conductor, United States Marine Band
9-10 Honor Band: Barbara Payne – University of Hawaii
Conductors Conference: Myron Welch – Director of Bands, University of Iowa
1995
11-12 Honor Band: James Curnow – Internationally acclaimed composer/conductor
9-10 Honor Band: William Keith – Director of Bands, Armstrong State College
Conductors Conference: Jerry Junkin – Director of Bands, University of Texas
1994
11-12 Honor Band: Gerald Welker – Director of Bands, University of Alabama
9-10 Honor Band: William Fry – Director of Bands, Columbus College
Conductors Conference: Ed Lisk – Internationally acclaimed author/clinician/conductor
1993
11-12 Honor Band: Col. Arnald Gabriel – Conductor Emeritus, U.S. Air Force Band
9-10 Honor Band: John Zdechlik – Internationally acclaimed composer/conductor
Conductors Conference: Jack Williamson – Director of Bands, Central Michigan
1992
11-12 Honor Band: Don Wilcox – Director of Bands, West Virginia University
9-10 Honor Band: James Barnes – Internationally acclaimed composer/conductor
Conductors Conference: Gerald Welker – Director of Bands, University of Alabama
1991
11-12 Honor Band: Thomas Dvorak – Director of Bands, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
9-10 Honor Band: Robert Jager – Director of Bands, Columbus College
Conductors Conference: Robert Gutter – Director of Orchestras, UNCG
1990
11-12 Honor Band: Frank Wickes – Director of Bands, Louisiana State University
9-10 Honor Band: Joseph Scagnoli – Director of Bands, Ball State University
Conductors Conference: Jack Stamp – Director of Bands, Indiana University of Pennsylvania