CLINIC
Information
The Student Conductor Clinic has been designed to serve high school and college students that want to further their conducting study. The curriculum is strongly rooted in formal conducting with opportunities to conduct a lab band, gain valuable rehearsal techniques, as well as phenomenal leadership experiences.
Hands on
Conducting students will have the opportunity to conduct in a live band setting where they will get in-the-moment feedback from an ensemble.
Become yourself
SWC encourages individuality and creativity. Develop confidence in your own personal style and showmanship on the podium.
CURRICULUM
Conducting
New and returning students will receive semi-private lessons with collegiate music educators along with the opportunity to conduct in front of a live ensemble. Video feedback is used for self-analysis of conducting and progress.
Score Study
Student conductors will receive individual assistance with personal scores and recordings to prepare them for the upcoming season.
Collaboration
Students will walk away with a better understanding of working with their band directos. A group setting encourages learning from others along with self reflection and improvement skills.
Clinic Schedule
Below is an example of an average day schedule. For a more exact layout, go to our Information Documents page and download the PDF
6:45 AM | Breakfast |
8:30 AM | Conducting Sessions |
12:00 PM | Lunch |
1:30 PM | Conducting Sessions |
3:30 PM | Break |
3:45 PM | Conducting Sessions |
5:15 PM | Dinner |
6:30 PM | Conducting Sessions |
7:45 PM | Classes Conclude |
8:00 PM | Recreation Time |
11:00 PM | Lights Out |
CLINICIAN
Elliot Lentz
Elliott Lentz serves as Director of Orchestras at North Central High School in addition to being Artistic Director & Conductor for the Circle City Orchestra, both in Indianapolis, IN. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Ball State University where he studied trumpet with Professor Paul Everett, conducting with Dr. Thomas Caneva, and served as Drum Major for the Pride of Mid-America Marching Band for 3 years.
For Your Information
If you are in need or more information, please download our information PDF's for more details. If you have a question, you may want to see if there is already an answer on our FAQ page. If you are looking for transportation information, please go to our Transportation page.
CLOSING
Ceremonies
For parents, friends, and directors, closing ceremonies will be held on the quad behind Taylor Hall on the Eastern Illinois campus. Come and enjoy the performance and celebration of awards! Our in-house photography team will capture the moments and release all photos, free of charge, to remember the special day!
Student Conductor Clinic Ceremony
July 13th, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Curriculum Performance
At the end of the week, our student demonstrate their skills for family and friends. This gives you a brief glimpse into our curriculum and skills described above.
PRICES
Eastern Illinois University - Charleston IL
July 11th-13th, 2025
RESIDENT
Includes all instruction,
housing, and meals
(Staying with us on campus. Most common selection.)
$300
COMMUTER
Includes all instruction, and lunch and dinner each day
$240
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What if I arrive late?No problem! If you arrive a little later than the check-in window for your clinic, you'll report to the front desk of Taylor Hall. They will alert a member of our administrative staff, who will assist you with checking in, moving in, and getting you to your starting location for your camp!
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Where do I park?For clinic check-in and check-out (drop off and pick-up) park for free at Taylor Hall, OR across the street at the large parking lot. Signs will indicate lots at check-in and staff members will be outside for assistance. A detailed map is in our Information Packet. If the participant has driven him/herself, staff members will show you where to park after check-in (in the lot across the street from Taylor Hall). Those who will keep their cars at the camp will get a parking pass during check-in to display in their car after they have unloaded and parked for the clinic duration. Students 18 and under turn in their keys to a locked safe for the duration of the clinic, which is held by our administrative staff. Keys are returned at check-out. Smith Walbridge will not be responsible for those who get tickets when parking in area not approved for our staff and participants.
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Can I stay one or multiple extra nights?Early arrival or late departure situations (usually to get cheaper air fares, or to arrive in time for class) are available for $30.00 per night. This cost does not include any meals, however, meals can be purchased in the cafeteria until the meals for your camp begin. Even as an early arrival, you are "with" the clinics. Those 18 and under may not leave the dorm grounds. As a general rule, extra nights are reserved for those traveling from out of state or by public transportation. You may stay up to one night early and/or one additional night late. Extra nights are not available on or after July 25, as the dorms will be closed. Call us to make arrangements at least one week in advance.
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What public transportation options are available?These options are included in the Information Packet and on the Transportation page. Be sure to provide your information at least 5 days in advance of travel so we can schedule arrangements to pick you up and return you to your to your stations and terminals.