Summer Ensemble Director Intensive

June 30 - July 2, 2026 | Cleveland State University School of Music

The Cleveland State University School of Music is proud to host the Inaugural Summer Ensemble Director Intensive, a three-day professional development experience designed specifically for 6–12 instrumental music educators.

Our focus is helping busy school conductors refine their musical and pedagogical expertise, enabling them to design impactful musical experiences for their students.

Led by:

Daniel Cook (Ithaca College) and Dr. Birch Browning (Cleveland State University) lead this three-day intensive at CSU is designed for 6–12 instrumental music educators who want to create a program culture focused on musical excellence. We believe the podium is a powerful pedagogical tool—one that should be used to help students develop deep musical understanding and independence by directly engaging with musical challenges.

Participants will engage in a collaborative environment that balances deep-dive morning seminars with active afternoon conducting sessions. The repertoire will focus on high-quality wind band literature specifically suited for the middle and high school levels.

The Curriculum:

The intensive is structured to provide immediate, actionable strategies for the school rehearsal hall:

• Morning Sessions (Fundamentals): Focused on score study, repertoire selection, ensemble understanding, rehearsal organization, and strategic planning for long-term ensemble development.
• Afternoon Sessions (Conducting Lab): Practical podium time using a conducting ensemble comprised of conducting participants and auditors. Each participant will conduct daily, followed by collaborative goal-setting for the next session.
• A Holistic Focus: Emphasis is placed on the synthesis of conducting technique and musical coaching, ensuring that every gesture serves a pedagogical purpose.

The Clinicians:

Daniel Cook is the Associate Director of Bands at Ithaca College, where he conducts the Concert Band, teaches conducting, and assists with the Wind Ensemble. A specialist in the wind band medium, he previously served as a Graduate Assistant for the renowned summer conducting workshops at Northwestern University and the University of North Texas. Read his full professional biography.

Dr. Birch Browning is Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Cleveland State University and the Music Director of the Cleveland Winds. A former high school director in Florida, he is the author of Becoming a Musician-Educator: An Orientation to Musical Pedagogy (Oxford University Press). His ensembles have performed at multiple OMEA Professional Development Conferences and appear on the Timothy Reynish International Repertoire Series.

Participation and Registration:

To ensure a personalized experience with significant podium time, conducting participation is limited.

• Conducting Participant: $150 ($50/day). Limited to 15 participants. All participants are expected to play in the conducting ensemble (please bring your primary instrument).
• General Auditor: $20/day. Participate in the morning discussions and play in the conducting ensemble.
• Musician Auditor: Free. Area amateur, collegiate, and high school musicians are invited to audit the morning sessions at no cost provided they play in the afternoon conducting ensemble.

Inquiries: 

For specific questions regarding repertoire or the schedule, please contact Dr. Birch Browning.