Student Conductors
Wheaton provides rich opportunities for aspiring conductors and music directors. Conducting class allows beginning conductors to gain skills in leading singers and instrumentalists. Private lessons provide advanced training in conducting technique, rehearsal planning, and score analysis. Advanced choral conductors receive the opportunity to serve as Assistant Conductors for Chorale. Their regular conducting time with the Chorale exceeds the opportunities that many masters-level students receive at other institutions. In addition, many of Wheaton’s student conductors build their directorial resumes by taking voice and piano lessons, taking music education courses, interning in local schools, and serving as directors and arrangers for Wheaton’s a cappella groups.
Assistant Conductors for the Wheaton Chorale have gone on to graduate school, to conducting positions in high schools, middle schools and community groups, and to executive positions in the management of choral organizations.