Choral Ensembles

Dates: June 4-6, 2025

Clinicians: Dr. David Hahn (CSU), Dr. Jason Max Ferdinand (University of Maryland), Dr. Jennifer Sengin (UMKC)

The Schwob Choral Conducting Workshop is designed to elevate the artistry and effectiveness of choral conductors. Led by Schwob faculty and distinguished guest clinicians, the workshop will feature conducting masterclasses and interactive sessions on rehearsal strategies, expressive conducting, and innovative programming. Participants will have the opportunity to conduct the semi-professional workshop ensemble, and receive constructive feedback in a supportive and collaborative environment. This immersive three-day workshop is designed for music educators, student conductors, church musicians, community ensemble leaders, and any conductor seeking to enhance their artistry. For more information and to register for the workshop, please click the button below:

Choral Conducting Workshop Registration

Experience a full day of music, connection, and inspiration at the Schwob Choral Invitational, hosted each October at the world-class Legacy Hall. This dynamic event brings together exceptional high school choirs from across the region for a celebration of choral artistry and community.

Your choir will enjoy:

1. A featured performance on the stunning Legacy Hall stage for an enthusiastic audience of music lovers, educators, and peers — professionally recorded for your convenience.
2. Engaging workshops and clinics led by Schwob’s acclaimed choral and vocal faculty.
3. Networking opportunities with fellow choir members and directors — build lasting friendships and professional connections.
4. Inspiring performances by other top-tier high school choirs, our flagship ensemble—Schwob Singers, and students from our opera and musical theatre programs.
5. Schwob swag, goodie bags, a FREE T-shirt, and lunch provided!

The day concludes with a powerful combined master chorus performance — a moving musical moment you won’t forget. Spots fill quickly each year! To request participation for your high school choir, please contact: Dr. David Hahn

The Master of Music in Music Performance degree at the Schwob School of Music is an intensive two-year program designed to equip aspiring conductors for successful musical leadership in both academic and professional settings. Program highlights include:

• Competitive graduate assistantships, including full tuition waivers and yearly stipend
• Substantial podium time with all university choral ensembles
• Weekly hour-long conducting lessons
• Comprehensive two-year choral literature sequence
• Masterclasses with renowned guest artists
• National performance tours
• Practical training in managing a choral program and planning invitationals, tours, etc.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration with wind, orchestra, and choral faculty and studios
• Performances of commissions and premieres with distinguished composers

Students admitted to the MM program focus on choral literature and rehearsal techniques, receive comprehensive training in score study and analysis, repertoire knowledge, gestural fluency and communication, and the relationship between technique and rehearsal. Graduates typically go on to teach at the high-school or collegiate levels or pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting.

Applying to the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music is a two-step process:

1. Apply to the Columbus State University Graduate School
2. Submit all materials below through Acceptd by February 1 for priority admission:
• Rehearsal footage (front view of conductor only) totaling no less than 15 minutes.
• Performance footage (front view of conductor only) totaling no less than 15 minutes.
• A video in which you address these topics: 1) speak briefly about yourself and your musical background; 2) describe your goals in pursuing graduate studies in conducting.
• Personal/Professional Statement: include a 2-3 page personal statement indicating how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Then, state your professional goals and include how this program and the Schwob School of Music will help you achieve your professional goals.
• Three letters of recommendation sent directly to Dr. Hahn from recommenders
• Current Resume/CV
• Repertoire list of works conducted
• Recent professional headshot

Once all applications and materials have been received, the School of Music faculty will review your application. If you are selected for an on-campus audition, we will contact you to schedule your audition which will consist of:

• a conducting lesson on the assigned repertoire with the Director of Choral Activities
• conducting and rehearsing a CSU choral ensemble on the assigned repertoire
• an interview with conducting and vocal faculty and meetings with current CSU students
• sight-reading, musicianship, and ear-training evaluations

Prior to the audition date, conducting applicants who are selected for an audition will be informed of the required work(s) to be prepared for the audition.

For more information, please contact the Program Administrator and Director: Dr. David Hahn