“This was the best workshop and musical setting I have ever experienced.”
Carlos Navarro, 2024 & 2025 Conducting Fellow
NEWFOUND CHAMBER WINDS CONDUCTING FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
June 6 – 16, 2026 | Old Dominion University – Norfolk, VA
Newfound Chamber Winds: Conducting Fellowship Application
Up to two (2) selected NFCW Conducting Fellows will be accepted based upon review of materials to work with Tyler Austin, NFCW Artistic Director & Conductor and Director of Bands at Old Dominion University; Evan Harger, NFCW Associate Conductor and Director of Orchestras at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and Caroline Beatty, NFCW Guest Conducting Faculty and Director of Bands at Texas State University.
Conducting Fellows will conduct members of Newfound Chamber Winds and NFCW Chamber Music Fellows. Fellows will receive a minimum of 90 minutes of podium time, conduct in live performance, and receive professional-quality concert and conductor footage.
Conducting Fellow Tuition: $750.00
Up to three (3) NFCW Conducting Associates will be accepted based upon review of materials. Conducting Associates will be awarded a minimum of 50 minutes of podium time with members of Newfound Chamber Winds and NFCW Chamber Music Fellows. Conducting Associates will have access to all non-conducting program opportunities available to Conducting Fellows.
Conducting Associate Tuition: $600.00
Conducting Auditors will be accepted based upon review of materials and will have access to all non-conducting program opportunities available to Conducting Fellows.
Conducting Auditor Tuition: $25 per day
Repertoire will include standards of the chamber winds repertoire and newly-composed works by attending NFCW Composition Fellows.
Additional Program Highlights:
Ample rehearsal time on assigned conducted works
Professional video recording and conducting footage of live performances
Private and group lessons/video review sessions with NFCW conducting faculty
Seminars on a wide range of topics, including: Career Building, Conductor/Performer Etiquette, "Everything after the Double Barline: Score & Part Preparation" with David Biedenbender, Presentations by NFCW Artist Faculty, Presentations by participant composers, Q&A Session w/ Composition Workshop faculty David Biedenbender and Viet Cuong, Speaking to Audiences, and Writing Program Notes
Festival Housing:
Fellows, Associates, and Auditors will be responsible for their own accommodations during the program. On-campus dorm housing is optionally available at the cost of $700 for Friday June 5 - Wednesday, June 17. (arrivals/departures) A number of off-campus housing options are also available.
PRIORITY APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 1, 2026, but applications will be accepted until all spots are filled. Participants will be notified of their acceptance via email by February 15.
Contact us if you have any questions: newfoundchamberwinds@gmail.com
2026 Guest Conducting Faculty
Caroline Beatty
As Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Texas State University, Caroline Beatty conducts the Texas State Wind Symphony, leads the graduate wind band conducting program, teaches undergraduate conducting and band literature courses, and provides primary oversight for the comprehensive band program. Performances under her direction garner consistent accolades from audience members, composers, and fellow performers for their artistry, excitement, and craft. The Texas State University Wind Symphony has been recognized for musical excellence through multiple invitations to perform for the National Conference of the College Band Directors National Association, the Southwestern Division of CBDNA, and the Texas Music Educators Association.
Dedicated to the perpetuation of ensemble art, Dr. Beatty maintains a vibrant conducting and teaching schedule outside of TXST engaging with professional teachers and performers, university students, and secondary students nationally and internationally.
Prior to her current position, Dr. Beatty held the position of Associate Director of Bands at Texas State University and Northwestern State University-Louisiana. Her secondary school teaching experience includes thirteen years as a high school band director in the Houston area. She holds the DMA degree in Conducting from the University of Michigan and both a MM degree in Conducting and a BM degree in Music Education from The University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Beatty has served as the President of the Southwestern Division of CBDNA and also holds membership in the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Phi Beta Mu – International Bandmasters Fraternity. In March 2026, she will be inducted into the American Bandmasters Association.
Festival Schedule Overview
Friday, June 5
Conductors arrive
Saturday, June 6
Rehearsals/Observations with Newfound Chamber Winds
Sunday, June 7
Composers and Chamber Music Fellows arrive
Monday, June 8 – Tuesday, June 16
Daily Festival Activities
Concert Cycle 1: June 8–11
June 12: Day Off
Concert Cycle 2: June 13–16
Wednesday, June 17
Conductors, Composers and Chamber Music Fellows depart