GWC / GSO Fellowship Program

GIRLS WHO CONDUCT /
GEORGIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

WOMEN CONDUCTOR FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

The 2021-22 program has concluded.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Girls Who Conduct / Georgia Symphony Orchestra Women Conductor Fellowship Program is designed to support the development of aspiring women, women-identifying, and non-binary conductors through providing mentoring, shadowing, training and practical opportunities. The program contains three weekend residencies (dates below) in the Atlanta metropolitan area, together with six (6) virtual meetings between September 2021 to May 2022. The program, aimed at aspiring conductors who have shown extraordinary potential, is spread across a full orchestra season, and will include observing rehearsals, participating in conducting workshops, being mentored by GWC members and GSO’s music staff, and possibly engaging with education and outreach programs. Up sto six (6) fellows will be selected for the 2021-22 season. All fellows will receive a scholarship to cover the tuition fees. Travel and lodging are the fellows’ own responsibility with need-based assistance available.
  • Residency
This program requires residency during three (3) weekends throughout the year, where fellows will observe rehearsals, attend GSO concerts, and work with musicians in conducting workshops. Fellows must be available from Friday 5pm to Sunday 7pm* (EST) during these weeks: Sep. 24-26, 2021 Feb. 25-27, 2022 May 20-22, 2022 * For May 22, the residency will be extended to 10pm to accommodate an extra choral conducting workshop
  • Virtual Sessions
Six (6) virtual meetings will be held on ZOOM throughout the year on topics including repertoire discussion, conducting video review, score study, programming, rehearsal strategy, and career development.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

We aim to work with aspiring conductors from all backgrounds and with different experiences. Applications are encouraged from people from all backgrounds, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities and candidates with disabilities, who are currently underrepresented in the workforce. The program is open to all candidates who identify as women, non-binary, or gender non-confirming.

Anyone interested in applying should complete the application form (click for link) on the GWC website. To apply, you will need to provide the following:

  • A PDF file of your resumé with label “LastName_FirstName_Resume.” Resumes should be focused on skills and background in music and leadership.
  • A personal statement indicating why this program would be of value to you, and what you expect to learn or gain throughout the fellowship. (You could record a 2-minute video or provide a written statement.)
  • Two video links of you conducting any type of ensemble (instrumental or vocal) of contrasting styles. Please upload the videos [camera facing conductor] to any platform of your choice (such as DropBox, Google Drive, Youtube, Vimeo, etc) WITHOUT PASSWORD PROTECTION.

The application deadline is August 1st, 2021, and applicants will be notified of the results by August 15th, 2021. Applicants should be at least 18 years old at the time of application. There is no application fee.

Financial aid to help travel and lodging is available on the basis of need. Please indicate in the application if you will be requesting financial aid, and we will send you a separate financial aid application.

Deadline for applications: 11:59pm PST on Sunday August 1, 2021

ABOUT THE GEORGIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Georgia Symphony Orchestra is a 71 year old organization comprised of an orchestra, chorus, jazz ensemble, and the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, which is the largest youth orchestra program in the southeast and in the top ten nationally based on size. The mission of the GSO is to enrich our community through accessible, high quality musical and educational experiences that instill a lifelong appreciation for the arts.