Oct 29 – Nov 1, 2025

CARL TOPILOW
CONDUCTING WORKSHOP

Purdue Bands & Orchestras is honored to host a conducting masterclass in partnership with the College Orchestra Directors Association (CODA) and led by Conductor and Master Teacher, Carl Topilow. Chosen participants will have the opportunity to conduct Purdue University’s premier orchestra, the Philharmonic Orchestra. This 90-piece ensemble recently won The American Prize (2021) and was featured at the College Orchestra Directors Association Annual Conference in Nashville, TN (2024).

Workshop Details

For this masterclass series, the master teacher will choose 6 active participants and 10 auditors from the applicant pool. Each participant will receive 100 minutes of podium time; 40 minutes with a string dectet, and 60 minutes with the full orchestra. These sessions will be recorded by our media team and will be shared with each participant post event. Beyond the conducting time, there will be a series of discussion sessions on applicable topics like, how to win and keep a job, directing “POPS” concerts, and an informative session led by a regional arts administrator.

Dates and Tuition

The workshop will be held October 29 – November 1, 2025

All sessions will be hosted in Hagle Hall on Purdue University’s campus

1091 3rd St., West Lafayette, Indiana, 47906

Tuition for the 6 active participants: $1,349.00

Tuition for the 10 auditors: $559.00

There is no application fee, but a deposit will be required to confirm your position in the workshop once the applicants have been selected.

Masterclass Repertoire

Copland – Appalachian Spring (full orchestra version)

Dvorak – Symphony No. 8 (mvts. I, II, IV)

Beethoven – Symphony No. 5 (mvts. I, II)

Verdi – Overture to La Forza del Destino

Faure – Elegy for Cello

Saint-Saens – Violin Concerto No. 3 (mvt. II)

Wieniawski – Violin Concerto No. 2 (mvt. II)

Warlock – Capriol Suite

Holst – St. Paul’s Suite

Elgar – String Serenade

Tchaikovsky – String Serenade

Application information

Please submit your resume, CV, and two contrasting conducting videos via email to the Purdue Bands & Orchestras, Director of Orchestras – Professor Adam Bodony: abodony@purdue.edu

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as selected participants may be selected on a rolling basis

Application Timeline and Details

May 1, 2025 – Application submission opens

September 1, 2025 – Deadline for applications

September 8, 2025 – Notification of acceptance

September 15, 2025 – Deposits due

  • $500 for active participants, and $250 for auditors (all deposits are non-refundable)

September 30, 2025 – Remaining balance due

  • $849 for active participants and $309 for auditors

Included:

  • 100 minutes of personal podium time
  • Discussion sessions
  • Opportunity to observe other participant’s workshop sessions
  • Video/Audio recording files

Not Included:

  • Meals
  • Travel
  • Lodging

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as selected participants may be selected on a rolling basis

Participants may choose to fly into Chicago O’Hare (2.5-hour drive) or Indianapolis (1-hour drive) International Airports. Both airports offer shuttles to and from Purdue University via Lafayette Limo. There are dozens of hotels within 10-15 minutes’ drive to campus, as well as city/campus buses. There are also a few hotels within walking distance to campus.

Although there are many nearby accommodations, please consider lodging with our corporate sponsors at Homewood Suites by Hilton (3939 South St. Lafayette, IN) or Hampton Inn by Hilton (3941 South St. Lafayette, IN).