Band director conducts at collegium

Lambert said the highlight of the experience was conducting what many consider to be the strongest college band in the world, the UNT wind symphony.

Each afternoon, 11 selected conductors rehearsed and conducted the band. Every three days, a new set of 11 conductors conducted an individually assigned piece of music in 20-minute slots while the others watched with copies of the music being performed. Observing participants sat directly behind the ensemble, listening through earphones to the comments being recorded to DVD by the clinicians.

Lambert said the DVD provided instant feedback, complete with comments in preparation for the next day’s rehearsal. The three days culminated with an evening concert, performed in UNT’s Murchison Concert Hall.

Lambert was selected to conduct “Canozna” by Peter Menin in the fourth round of the event.

The morning schedule included daily lectures on subjects pertaining to conducting and rehearsing, instruction on score preparation and analysis and basic conducting technique.

“It was an extraordinary experience,” Lambert said. “I was extremely impressed with the professionalism of the entire collegium. The University of North Texas Wind Symphony is truly outstanding. From the organization of housing and other details to the final concert, the environment was extremely professional and very well organized.”

The event was hosted by Eugene Migliaro Corporon, world renowned band conductor and coauthor of the series, “Teaching Music Through Performance in Band.” Other clinicians included Dennis Fisher, director of symphonic band at UNT, Dr. Jack Stamp, band director at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and composer of band music, and Dr. James Jordon, choir director at Westminster Choir College.

Lambert said the four clinicians were “absolutely outstanding” with each providing a unique perspective to the art of conducting.