Paula Holcomb leads conducting workshops in China

Paula Holcomb teaching at the Guangzhou Youth Palace. Now back in the U.S., Professor Holcomb conducts the Missouri Intercollegiate Honor Band next week.

Starting in mid-November, Music Professor Paula Holcomb spent 18 days presenting Conducting Symposiums and clinics in China at the request of the China Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles and the Hong Kong Band Directors Association in Bejing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shenzhen in Universities, Youth Palaces and schools. 

At the request of the China Peoples Liberation Army Band Conductor, Mr. Yu Hai, Dr. Holcomb presented a session concerning, "Trends in Contemporary Wind Ensemble Compositions" for five conductors, eight composers and section principals of the top band. This is the premiere service band of China while the PLA band program include 4 full time bands and over 400 musicians.

In addition, Holcomb presented a session at the MidWest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, which has an attendance of over 15,000 conductors, in Chicago, Illinois entitled, "Economic, Sustainable Gestures: Clear Conducting Technique That Conveys Your Aural Picture." Erik Kalish, Graduate Assistant in Conducting at Fredonia, assisted with the presentation.

She conducted the Zone 9 Area All State for New York State School Music Association in New York.

Vice President of the Conductors Guild, Holcomb also served as Chair for the Chicago Conference where she worked in conjunction with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera and Roosevelt University coordinating all aspects of the Conference including sessions by Chicago Symphony Musicians, Pulitzer Prize winning composers, tours of the Orchestra Hall and Lyric Opera and sessions by many other international artists.

Next week Holcomb will be conducting the Missouri Intercollegiate Honor Band.