June 11-14, 2026 // The University of Georgia The University of Georgia Conducting Symposium is a multi-day conducting and teaching workshop that presents conductors at all levels with an extraordinary professional and artistic development opportunity. Public school music educators are highly encouraged to participate. Conductor Track members will conduct the UGA Chamber Winds during instructional rounds and recorded performance while receiving direct coaching from our renowned guest clinician and individual feedback from the UGA Bands conducting faculty. Auditors will not receive podium time but can otherwise fully participate. Meet our UGA conducting faculty. Meet our guest clinician Dr.Rodney Dorsey Dr.Rodney Dorsey is Professor of Music at the Florida State University College of Music where he conducts the FSU Wind Orchestra and guides the graduate wind conducting program. Dorsey comes to FSU from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where he conducted the IU Wind Ensemble and taught graduate conducting courses. Prior to his tenure at the Jacobs School, Dorsey served on the faculties of the University of Oregon, University of Michigan, DePaul University and Northwestern University. He also gained extensive experience teaching in the public schools of Florida and Georgia. Dorsey studied conducting with Mallory Thompson, John P. Paynter, and James Croft. He was a clarinet student of Fred Ormand and Frank Kowalsky. During his conducting career, Dorsey has led performances at several prominent events including the American Bandmasters Association Convention, College Band Directors National Conference North/Northwest Regional Conference, and the Bands of America National Festival. He is active as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator in the United States. International engagements include Hungary, Canada, and Bulgaria. Dorsey’s commitment to community has been demonstrated by his participation on the board of directors for Music for All and the Midwest Clinic. He currently serves as the president of the Midwest Clinic. Other professional memberships include the College Band Directors National Association, National Association for Music Education, Florida Bandmasters Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma (honorary), Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. Dorsey is also an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association. Most recently Dorsey was named a Yamaha Master Educator. Repertoire TBA Application Process Please review the information below carefully before applying to attend. There are two tracks of involvement in the University of Georgia Conducting Symposium. Regardless of track, all applicants will submit a resume/CV. Due to high demand, participation is by invitation only. The UGA Bands conducting faculty will review all applications and notify those who have been selected via email. Payment is due by May 1, 2025. Applications Open: January 12, 2026 First Considerations for Conductors: January 31, 2026 First Considerations Invitations Sent Out: February 7, 2026 *All deadlines are in Eastern Standard Time Tracks Offered Conductor ($400) - Participants will conduct in sessions and video/audio-recorded performance. *Auditor ($95) - Participants may observe all sessions and interact with clinicians and musicians, but will have no podium time. *Auditor registration will remain open until TBA Get Started Apply using the link below. Application open January 12, 2026 *Please click here to fill out the application* Please prepare your CV/Resume and interest statement as PDF files. The application form will have fields where you can upload these documents. We would like to thank our sponsors: Pecknel and Conn Selmer
