UA Little Rock Students Selected for Arkansas Conducting Symposium
Out of just six seats available in the Arkansas Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association’s (ACDA-AR) 2026 Undergraduate Conducting Symposium, two were claimed by University of Arkansas at Little Rock students.
The ACDA-AR Undergraduate Conducting Symposium brings together talented student conductors from across Arkansas to receive mentorship, conducting instruction, and professional development from experienced choral educators.
For music education majors Analise Brewer and Avery Litton, the opportunity is the latest milestone in a journey neither expected. Both arrived on campus focused on music education and performance, never considering conducting. But what began as a required course quickly became a passion and a potential career for them.
To many people, conducting may look like simply keeping time. In reality, conductors are responsible for interpreting music, communicating style and emotion, and guiding an ensemble through a shared artistic vision.
Developing those skills as an undergraduate is no small feat.
It also often requires a musical history lesson as understanding the time period, style, and intent of a composer shapes how a piece is interpreted and led. Much of the repertoire conductors work with comes from classical and historical works, meaning students must learn to read not only the notes on the page, but also the context behind them in order to guide an ensemble effectively.
“When I took my first conducting course, it was then that I had my ‘this is it’ feeling,” Brewer said. “Getting on stage in front of an ensemble and performing with them, there is nothing like it.”
Both students found conducting in the classroom, but each had their own reasons for sticking with it.
For Brewer, conducting brought an unexpected sense of belonging. She started out focused on singing, but soon felt drawn to leading and performing with an ensemble. This role let her combine her love for music and leadership. As her interest in conducting grew, so did her opportunities. She has led UA Little Rock choirs in concert, connected with music educators across Arkansas, and gained experience as a student liaison for the ACDA-AR board.
“Conducting is a special art that provides me with the feeling of belonging. Getting on stage in front of an ensemble and performing with them, there is nothing like it,” Brewer said.
Litton’s path to conducting was different. She has played flute since sixth grade and came to campus focused on performance and music education. At first, conducting seemed intimidating, but she soon became interested in the history and emotions behind each piece. As she learned about composers and their work, she realized conducting is more than keeping time; it is about telling the story behind the music and helping an ensemble bring it to life. The teamwork involved in conducting became one of its biggest draws.
“It’s not power and control. It’s guidance. Conducting is always collaborative,” Litton said.
As they get ready for the symposium, both students are excited to keep building their skills as conductors. Brewer wants to improve her score study and conducting technique as she works toward teaching music, with plans to return to school for a master’s degree in conducting.
For Litton, conducting has encouraged her to get more involved on campus and try new opportunities. She hopes to learn more about expressive conducting, lesson planning, and teaching strategies to help her as a future music educator.
“I never thought that I would be here or be conducting,” Litton said. “It has shown me how much I have grown and become confident over the last couple of years.”