Graduate Assistant
Lincoln, Nebraska Area
I was the instructor of record for UNL's All-Collegiate Choir, and served as the Graduate Conductor in the University Singers; UNL's top auditioned choir. As conductor for All-Collegiate, I was responsible for recruitment/retention, music selection, weekly rehearsals, coordinating with our pianist and other instrumentalists, collaborating with other ensemble directors whose ensembles shared the stage in performances, and coordinating promotional efforts to advertise concerts.In… Show more I was the instructor of record for UNL's All-Collegiate Choir, and served as the Graduate Conductor in the University Singers; UNL's top auditioned choir. As conductor for All-Collegiate, I was responsible for recruitment/retention, music selection, weekly rehearsals, coordinating with our pianist and other instrumentalists, collaborating with other ensemble directors whose ensembles shared the stage in performances, and coordinating promotional efforts to advertise concerts.In my role as Graduate Conductor for University Singers, I was responsible for tracking student attendance, coordinating with section leaders to address member needs/concerns, and facilitating rehearsals in Dr. Pete Eklund's absence. I served primarily as a liaison between the students and Dr. Eklund, and as counsel for Dr. Eklund as he considered decisions that would impact the choir and the program in both short-term and long-term planning discussions. I helped to initiate a sea-change in the administrative leadership structure within the choir; drafting a constitution which designed a four-tier leadership tree and lifted students onto equal footing with faculty in terms of ensemble management. This included the design and creation of a 12-member choir council (elected by students). In addition to the council, I created positions for pairs of section leaders in each of the four sections, and initiated the drive for a student handbook to augment the course syllabus with specific expectations regarding behavior, attendance, artistic standards, and logistical details regarding performance attire, seasonal calendar, and the like. This leadership change went into effect just six months after initial conversations with Dr. Eklund, and the handbook and leadership structure remain in place. Show less