Today we talk with Kaleb Benda, Artistic Director & Conductor of the Oklahoma Chamber Symphony, Assistant Conductor of the Enid Symphony Orchestra, Music Director of the USAO Concert Band, and the #1 fan of Podium Time. We dig into how Kaleb handles lots of repertoire and how to study efficiently, the importance of creating your own opportunities, and how and why we conducts (almost) everything from memory.

Today we discuss:

Kaleb’s background and education (3:20)Balancing repertoire for 3 different ensembles and efficient score study techniques (7:27)Programming on a theme, and how to include audiences new to classical music (20:23)Achieving efficient rehearsals through the 3-strikes rule and clarity (27:23)We chat about music decorations and creative business cards (31:55)Creating your own opportunities and the horrors of video cameras (36:23)Cancelled concerts and Kaleb’s favorite music by Beethoven that you’ve probably never heard (44:54)Kaleb’s most impactful workshop, and why he now conducts (almost) everything from memory (51:49)How to prepare to start conducting from memory (55:33)Hidden Gems and advice (1:03:00)

Find this and all other episodes at PodiumTimePod.com. Subscribe and download Podium Time on your favorite podcast player and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @PodiumTimePod. You can also join our Facebook Group, the Podium Time Inner Circle to ask questions and continue the conversation after every episode. If you’d like to support the podcast monetarily and get bonus content, consider joining our Patreon community at Patreon.com/PodiumTimePod. If you’re in the market for a new baton, use our promo code “PodiumTime” at Pagubatons.com for 20% off your first order. 

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