School of Music > Concerts & Events > CBDNA Conference > Welcome Letters and Schedule

Welcome to DePaul School of Music

CBDNA President
Dear North Central Division Members,

I am happy to welcome you to the CBDNA divisional conference at DePaul University in the heart of Chicago. The CBDNA North Central Division has long been a leader in our organization, and this years’ divisional conference is yet another shining example.

Our event will feature eleven exemplary performing ensembles, thought-provoking clinics, and the continuation of our mini-conducting symposium. I am particularly pleased to welcome Professor James Smith, Emeritus Director of Orchestras at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as our conducting symposium clinician. With great enthusiasm we welcome J. Eric Wilson, Director of Bands at Baylor University, who will serve as the conductor of our Intercollegiate Band. This years’ conference will also feature a video session of and for our CBDNA marching band colleagues. 

Finally, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Erica Neidlinger and the staff at DePaul University for their tireless work in preparing to host this exciting event.

I look forward to seeing you all in Chicago! 

Sincerely, 

Russel C. Mikkelson
President, North Central Division CBDNA
Professor and Director of Bands
The Ohio State University

Erica Neidlinger

Dear Colleagues, 

I am thrilled to extend an invitation to the 2020 CBDNA North Central Division Conference at DePaul University! We are preparing for many outstanding performances, sessions, and workshops that will be illuminated by the beauty of our new Holtschneider Performance Center. Come join us for three days of memorable music-making, scholarship, and fellowship.

Our website provides as much information as possible and will be updated with new information until the start of the conference. Please plan to register soon so that we have an accurate count of attendees to help us plan ahead. All general questions may be sent to music@depaul.edu.  

Although many of you have visited Chicago numerous times, the DePaul University School of Music is located in Lincoln Park, a community two miles north of the Chicago “loop.” Still urban in nature, there are many small businesses and restaurants to explore. Extend your stay or spend free time enjoying shopping or dining in unique locations while still having the opportunity to attend stellar performances at Symphony Center, Winter’s Jazz Club, or the Civic Opera House, to name a few. Many other legendary experiences are nearby, including the Steppenwolf Theater and The Second City, both within a mile from the conference hotel.

Hotel Lincoln will be housing our membership during the conference. Now owned by Hyatt, they are a boutique hotel with many unusual characteristics, serving the comfort of their guests in an exciting urban surrounding. You may take advantage of all the city has to offer, or you may dine and socialize right on the premises in their restaurant, rooftop bar, and coffee shop. In addition, the Lincoln Park Zoo is right across the street, open year-round and boasts free admission! Located 1 mile from the Holtschneider Performance Center, shuttles will be running between the hotel and conference.

I hope to see you all in Chicago on February 20-22 for the North Central Division conference. We have an exceptional event planned in a location that offers many memorable experiences, both on and off campus. Looking forward to seeing you!

Sincerely, 

Erica Neidlinger
Associate Professor
DePaul University School of Music

Conference Schedule

11:00-5:00 p.m. - Registration
12:30-1:50 p.m. - Conducting Symposium with James Smith
1:00-1:50 p.m. - “Seating Plan: mastering your ensemble’s sonority” Giovani Briguente, University of Michigan
2:00-2:30 p.m. - Gustavus Adolphus College Wind Orchestra
2:45-3:15 p.m. - Capital University Symphonic Winds
3:15- 4:20 p.m. - Conducting Symposium with James Smith
3:30-4:20 p.m. - Persichetti’s Peace Piece: Discerning Musical Meaning Through Inner and Outer Texts in A Lincoln Address Chris Westover, Denison University
4:30-5:30 p.m. - Indiana University Concert Band
5:30-8:00 p.m. - Dinner Break
8:00 p.m. - University of Iowa Symphony Band
​9:15 p.m. - Reception
8:00a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Registration 
8:30-9:30 a.m. - Chosen Gems Rehearsal
9:00-9:50 a.m. - “Best Practices for Teaching Undergraduate Instrumental Conducting” Michael Butler, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
10:00 a.m-11:00 a.m. - Chosen Gems- DePaul University Wind Symphony
11:10 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. - “A Pilot Study of Expert Performer Radar: Implications for ensemble instruction” Birch Browning, Cleveland State University
1:00-1:30 p.m. - Carmel High Sc​hool (IN) Wind Symphony
1:45-2:15 p.m. - Libertyville High School (IL)
2:30-3:20 p.m. - “Excellence in Brass Performance” Featuring DePaul University horn faculty and Erica Neidlinger, DePaul University
3:45-4:45 p.m. - Michigan State University Symphony Band
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  - Eastern Michigan University Wind Symphony
8:30 p.m.-9:45 p.m. -  DePaul University Wind Ensemble
8:30-10:00 a.m. - Registration
9:00-10:30 a.m. - Athletic Band video session
10:00-10:50 a​.m. - An Approach to the Study of Music Literature in Preparation for Writing an Independent Study, Thesis, or Dissertation” James Popejoy, University of North Dakota
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. - Northwestern University Symphonic Band
12:30-1:45 p.m. - Business Luncheon
2:00-3:00 p.m. - 2020 Intercollegiate Band​​


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