2012 Institute for Conductors: June 9 - 23

Alumni

The International Institute for Conductors is extremely proud of its alumni. Many find success as music directors and conductors of orchestras, bands, choirs and opera companies. Some build successful careers as teachers and conductors at colleges, universitites or preparatory programs while others resume their musical studies to pursue advanced degrees at leading music schools around the world. We congratulate all of our students for their achievements and success, and we are pleased to take this opportunity to share some of their accomplishments, appointments, scholarship and milestones with you on this webpage as they offer rememberances of their experience at the International Institute for Conductors.

	Yaniv Attar (Class of 2009) - Winner, 2009 Bruno Walter Memorial Foundation Award NYC; Recipient, 2010 Solti Foundation USA Career Development Award; 1st Prize Winner 2010 Duna Szimfonikus Conducting Competition, Budapest By far one of the best workshops I have ever been to. The orchestra was terrific and so helpful to us as were the three amazing faculty. Lots of podium time plus two concerts made this experience one-of-a-kind. It contributed immensely to my development as a conductor and musician, and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
	Jessica Bejarano (Class of 2008) - Assistant Conductor, Peninsula Symphony; Guest Conductor, Bay Area Rainbow Symphony; Music Director, Voices Lesbian Choral Ensemble, Oakland; Music Director, San Francisco Nonet; Private Music Instructor, Traveling Music School For me, conducting is an art of passion, and it was refreshing and rewarding to study with maestros who reciprocated that passion AND who also had an organic interest in my professional development as a conductor.
	Matthew Bertuzzi (Class of 2010) - Assistant Conductor, Pioneer Valley (MA) Symphony Orchestra; formerly Music Director, University of Massachusetts Chamber Orchestra; Assistant Conductor, University Orchestra, 5 College Opera Project and Opera Workshop *My time in Bacau at the International Institute really helped me to hone my skills and prepare successfully for auditions.*
	Will Burkhart (Class of 2011) - Music Director/Conductor: Oak Ridge Community Orchestra, Tennessee. Principle Timpanist: Johnson City Symphony, Tennessee By far the most rewarding and soundly structured workshop I have attended! There was not a dull moment in the program, nor was it over-bearing. This workshop finds the proper balance between work and play, technique and feeling, theory and application... You should go!
	Beverly Crain (Class of 2007) - Founder/Artistic Director, Operarep of Southern California; Opera Director/Vocal Instructor, Azusa Pacific University The Institute expanded my range of conducting repertoire and technique, providing quality podium time and mentoring from highly-experienced and supportive faculty. The atmosphere was friendly and encouraging throughout the process, and I would recommend the International Institute for Conductors highly.
	Nancia D'Alimonte (Class of 2004-05) - Music Director/Conductor, National Institutes of Health Philharmonia; Music Director/Conductor, The George Washington University Symphony Orchestra; Education Consultant, Baltimore Symphony and National Philharmonic, MD The unique and invaluable lessons I learned attending both workshops are still with me today. Maestros Balan and Gutter truly made the effort to get to know each conductor as an individual. The orchestra is first rate, an extremely talented, caring and supportive group that only added to whole workshop experience.
	Michael Galib (Class of 2010) - Music Director, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County, RI; Pianist, summer French School, Middlebury College, CT; First prize winner, 2004 International Trumpet Guild Composition Competition The amount of time spent on the podium was second to no other conducting workshop I've been to, and was a huge help in gaining comfort in front of the group. A big thanks and bravo to the orchestra for its warm reception, rapport with the conductors and the valuable input from all the instructors.
	Sinead Hayes (Class of 2005/07) - Music Director, Bury Choral Society, UK; Assoc. Conductor, Halle Harmony Youth Orchestra, UK; Assistant Music Director, Stockport Youth Orchestra, UK The combination of a supportive faculty, committed orchestra and plenty of uninterrupted podium time meant that this workshop was an important part of my development as a conductor. The experience gained on the podium in Bacau has been invaluable.
	Alexander Kahn (Class of 2007) - Director of Orchestral Activities, Sunderman Conservatory of Music, Gettysburg College *An excellent workshop. The combination of great teaching, a collegial environment and extensive podium time including concerts makes this workshop one of the best bargains out there.*
	Jaemi Loeb (Class of 2004) - Schissler Conducting Fellow and Assistant Conductor of Orchestras, University of Houston; Asst. Director, AURA Contemporary Music Ensemble; Adjunct Faculty, San Jacinto College - South This institute remains one of the best I've ever attended. Years later I still return to memories of what I learned on and off the podium from the brilliant faculty, the orchestra and and my fellow students. With exceptionally well organized logistics and a nurturing learning environment, it really is something exceptional
	Paul McShee (Class of 2011) - Graduate Assistant Conductor, University of Connecticut The International Institute for Conductors was a truly meaningful experience. The faculty really hone in on the issues and needs of each student allowing for a great experience. Additionally, Maestro Gambetta's sessions on Laban Movement Studies provide an eye-opening perspective on the conductor's movements. The extensive time on the podium and the supportive, collegial environment make this workshop one of the best out there.
	Sixto Federico Montesinos (Class of 2010) - Graduate Assistant Conductor, University of Texas at Arlington My time in Bacau changed my life. The musicians in the orchestra and concerto soloists are extremely supportive and great to work with. The faculty was a pleasure to work with and cared about each and every one of the participants. I look forward to coming back in the future.
	Xavier Pagès i Corella (Class of 2007) - Conductor, Cobla Sant Jordi, City of Barcelona; Assistant Conductor, National Youth Orchestra of Catalonia; Winner, 17th International Composition Competition, City of Tarragona My attendance at the International Institute for Conductors was a major turning point in my conducting career. I appreciate very much the coaching of the artist faculty and the positive attitude of the Bacau Philharmonic and staff towards the students.
	Joel Plaag (Class of 2006/09) - Assoc. Professor of Music, Conductor of the Concert Band and Concert Chorale, Lyon College, Batesville, AR; Founder/Artistic Director, Batesville Choral Society; President, Batesville Symphony League The three instructors do not merely teach conducting, they mentor. The orchestra was top-notch; always professional and always played at their best. This workshop has not only changed the way I approach conducting, but the way I teach it as well. The large amount of podium time, supportive environment and knowledgeable faculty make this workshop outstanding, and I highly recommend it to other conductors!
	Larry Spell (Class of 2008-09) - Founder and Music Director, Pitt Community College Symphony Orchestra; Music Faculty, Pitt Community College; Conductor, Saint Paul's Sinfonietta, Greenville, NC The clear advantage of this program is the vast and diverse knowledge of the three faculty members. I was also impressed with the large amount of time you have in front of the orchestra. I highly recommend this workshop to conductors of all levels of experience.
	Adrian Tan (Class of 2009) - Institute guest conductor concert recipient; Graduate conducting student, Sydney Conservatory, Australia What distinguishes the Institute is the genuine interest the faculty takes in each participant. The musicians of the Bacau Philharmonic are highly professional and truly responsive. They give their all in every session. The supportive atmosphere, ample podium time and weeky orchestra concerts make this a worthwhile experience for any conductor who wants to spend some quality time working on his craft.
	Patrick Valentino (Class of 2010) - Assistant Conductor, Neponset Valley (MA) Philharmonic; Founder & Director, Music from St. Margaret Mary's Concert Series; Music Director, St. Margaret Mary Parish The Institute is unique in several ways. Each conductor chooses his/her repertoire from a wide and varied list that includes large works not often included in workshop repertoire. The faculty take different but complimentary approaches to aid the conductors. The orchestra is completely dedicated to the purpose of the workshop, which is to educate and enrich the participants.
	Caleb Young (Class of 2010) - Co-Music Director, Capstone Chamber Orchestra; Guest Conductor, Tuscaloosa Youth Symphony, the Capstone Brass Choir and the Alabama Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble *The time I spent in Romania at the International Institute was life changing. This pilgrimage is a must!*

2012 Institute for Conductors: June 9 - 23

Alumni

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