UA Little Rock Hosts Second Choral Conducting Symposium, Elevating Music Education Across Arkansas
UA Little Rock’s Department of Music welcomed conductors from across the state July 16-18 for its second annual Choral Conducting Symposium, a three-day immersive experience designed to help ensemble leaders refine their skills and deepen their artistry.
Led by Dr. Lorissa Mason, director of choral activities, and Dr. Nickolas Doshier, director of music education, the symposium brought together music educators, church musicians, and aspiring conductors for intensive training in conducting technique, rehearsal strategies, score analysis, and more.
“Conductors often work in isolation, leading their own ensembles without many opportunities for feedback or collaboration,” Mason said. “This symposium is about building community. Conductors can connect, share ideas, and grow together. That collaborative spirit is not only my favorite part of the event, but also one of the most powerful tools for professional growth.”
Participants included full conductors, auditors, and volunteer ensemble singers, many of whom were current UA Little Rock students. Full conductors led rehearsals each day, receiving structured feedback and video recordings of their podium time to support self-assessment and development.
“This year we had five full participants, each conducting six times for a total of 90 minutes of podium time,” said Dr. Doshier. “That kind of concentrated, intentional practice is rare once you’re in the field. These conductors stepped outside their comfort zones and made bold artistic choices. It was inspiring to watch their confidence grow.”
One returning participant, Shannon Webb, associate director of music and worship arts at First United Methodist Church in Little Rock, praised the supportive environment and personalized instruction.
“I earned my master’s degree nearly a decade ago, and it’s easy to stagnate in this field if you’re not careful,” Webb said. “This symposium gives me the chance to brush up on skills, receive meaningful feedback, and return to my choir with a bigger toolbox.”
Webb, who transitioned from a professional performer to leading church music during the pandemic, said the symposium helped her refine her conducting style.
“Because of my performing background, I can be very animated on the podium,” she said. “I’ve been working on ‘quieting the noise’—making my gestures more intentional and clearer. The feedback has been incredibly valuable, and I feel more equipped to lead my ensemble.”
Jeremy Wayne, choir director at Sheridan High School, also found the experience enlightening. After a career shift from nonprofit leadership to music education, Wayne attended the symposium to sharpen his conducting technique.
“I’ve learned how to connect more directly with the singers and to get out of the way as a conductor. I try to let the music breathe instead of trying to control every beat,” he said. “Watching the other conductors grow and getting feedback in real time helped me push my own boundaries.”
Doshier emphasized how vital professional development like the Choral Conducting Symposium is for the region.
“Many conductors receive their only formal training in college,” he said. “But once they’re in classrooms or churches leading rehearsals every day, their ability to communicate expressively through gestures becomes their primary teaching tool. Opportunities like this help them grow in that role, which benefits not just their ensembles but the entire musical community.”
Symposium participants also received up to 18 professional development hours at no extra cost. This is an added benefit for Arkansas music educators seeking high-quality, music-centered training.
“Symposiums like this are rare in Central Arkansas,” Webb said. “It’s not just something we want as professionals; it’s something we need.”
With overwhelmingly positive feedback from both years of the symposium, Mason and Doshier plan to continue growing the program to serve even more conductors in the future.