Illinois Band Conductors Symposium

February 9–10, 2024

The Active Conductor positions have been filled, but we are still accepting
Observer and Performer Participants.

Please email bands@illinois.edu if you have questions.

Click below to register.

Join the University of Illinois band faculty and special guest Craig Kirchhoff at this two-day symposium which includes conducting, rehearsal techniques, repertoire, pedagogy, and educational philosophy. Prof. Kirchhoff is Professor Emeritus of Conducting and Director Emeritus of University Bands at the University of Minnesota where he conducted the renowned University Wind Ensemble and guest conducted in the University Opera Program. Prof. Kirchhoff coordinated the graduate program in Wind Ensemble/Band Conducting and guided all aspects of the University of Minnesota wind band program from 1993 to 2015.  Prof. Kirchhoff is past president of the College Band Directors National Association and is a member of the American Bandmasters Association, the National Band Association, the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, the Music Educators National Conference, and served as the founding editor and principal advisor of the College Band Directors National Association Journal.

Prof. Kirchhoff has appeared as guest conductor, clinician, and lecturer throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Taiwan, Europe, and Scandinavia.  He enjoyed a long association with the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra during Frederick Fennell’s tenure as Music Director and he has recorded with them on the Kosei Publishing label.  Prof. Kirchhoff was awarded the Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor in 2018, was presented with the CBDNA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, and was awarded the Phi Beta Mu Bandmaster of the Year Award at the 2019 Midwest Clinic.  Prof. Kirchhoff serves as a Yamaha Master Educator.

Symposium Clinicians