Which Programs Are Appropriate For My Student?

Rising Artist (RA): This student is new or newer to the art form they are interested in. Mostly every concept they learn is new to them or is a refresher. If you are unsure of your child’s level, this is a good choice.

The Everyday Artist (TEA): This student has had some experience in their chosen art form and are comfortable in performing basic to intermediate skills needed. They have taken a number of intro classes or have a few years of experience.

College Prep (CP): This student is well versed in their chosen art form and very comfortable demonstrating their skills and knowledge. They are looking to grow their portfolio, practice or prepare for auditions for college or college level studio work.

Please be advised that, ultimately, every student and their artistic journey is unique and should be seen as such. These designations are to help you should you need guidance.

Registration opens January 2024

**Music Theory *CP**

Rutgers music theory faculty prepare students for collegiate placement exams and for college-level theory and aural skills courses. This intensive covers the foundational concepts of written music theory, including rhythm notation, time signatures and meter, key signatures, scales, intervals, chords, and music form. The classes provide an excellent platform for high school students interested in getting a head start for AP Music Theory or who are interested in majoring in music in college.

**Ear Training Intensive *CP**

This performance-based intensive covers the foundational concepts of ear training, including, melodic sight-singing using Movable-Do solfege, rhythm reading using Takadimi syllables, and basic dictation. Participants will be singing and reciting rhythm exercise together and individually. The classes provide an excellent platform for high school students interested in getting a head start for AP Music Theory or who are interested in majoring in music in college.

Timothy Urban – Director

Dr. Timothy Urban holds graduate degrees in voice and recorder performance (SUNY Binghamton), early music performance practice (Sarah Lawrence College), and music theory and history (Rutgers University) and a doctorate in musicology from Rutgers University. He received a Fulbright scholarship for study at the Kodály Institute in Kecskemét, Hungary and a D.A.A.D. Fellowship for study at Leipzig University. His research interests include music of the Italian seicento, Hungarian folk music, and aural skills pedagogy. He has been a guest lecturer at Baptist University, Hong Kong, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Taiwan, and the University of San Diego, California. He was guest conductor of Conjunto de Musica Antiga, Universidad de Niteroi, Brazil and has performed in both chamber and solo recitals in Hungary, Brazil, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Dr. Urban also teaches classes in advanced sight-singing.

Registration Deadline: 1 week prior to the start of the program.
Tuition must be paid in full 1 week prior to the start of the program.
Please read our Policies & Procedures Document for additional information on payment, cancellation, participant conduct, and media waivers. Your completion of registration indicates your acknowledgment and agreement to abide by these policies.

**Rutgers Summer Band Institute *TEA, CP**

Wind musicians and percussionists are challenged to elevate their artistry and technique during a week of band and chamber music training with top-notch faculty. Large ensemble rehearsals are led by Dr. Todd Nichols, Director of University Bands, at Rutgers and Dr. Julia Baumanis, Assistant Director of Bands, at Rutgers. Group lessons, clinics, electives, master classes and performances by renowned artists round out the schedule. Open to rising 7th to 12th graders

July 14 – July 19 2024

If you are interested in the Rutgers Summer Band Institute and would like to be the first to know when registration goes live and receive 15% off, please fill this out!

Julia Baumanis

Dr. Julia Baumanis is the Assistant Director of Bands at Rutgers University. Her duties include serving as the Assistant Director of the Marching Scarlet Knights, Director of Pep Bands, conducting concert ensembles, and teaching courses in instrumental music. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Baumanis served as the Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Central Missouri. Dr. Baumanis has also served within the music education community as Multicultural Chair for the Missouri Music Educators Association and on the editorial and design team for The Woman Conductor, the official publication for Women Band Directors International.

A graduate of Florida State University’s College of Music, Dr. Baumanis received her bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education, her master’s degree in Instrumental Conducting, and her PhD in Music Education and Instrumental Conducting. She previously taught public school in south Florida as the Associate Director of Bands and Orchestras at J.P. Taravella High School and the Director of Orchestras at Ramblewood Middle School.

An active performer, educator, and researcher, Dr. Baumanis has presented her research nationally, including at the NAfME Research Symposium, the CBDNA National Conference, FMEA, MMEA, IMEA, and the Desert Skies Music Education Research Symposium. Most recently, her research has focused on developing a conductor’s baton that records data collected from a conductor’s expressive gestures. She hopes to implement this technology in the conducting classroom as a technological tool to assist beginning conductors in developing their craft.

Todd Nichols

Dr. Todd Nichols currently serves as Director of University Bands at Rutgers University. His duties include oversight and administration of the university band program, directing the Marching Scarlet Knights and Symphonic Winds, and teaching various courses including undergraduate and graduate conducting. As Director of the Marching Scarlet Knights, Nichols led highly acclaimed performances for the NFL’s nationally televised Monday Night Football and for President Joe Biden.

Dr. Nichols annually serves as a guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and recording producer and is especially honored to have guest conducted the United States Army Field Band. Nichols is an advocate for new compositions supporting the efforts of composers in over 30 commissions. Nichols currently serves as President for the Big Ten Band Director’s Association.

As artistic director for the Eastern Wind Symphony, Nichols conducted highly acclaimed performances at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center and recorded recent releases Resurgence and Elements. Under his direction, the EWS received multiple Grammy Award nominations of eligibility and have been invited to perform at major conventions including the 2021 and 2015 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, 2019 ACB National Convention, 2017 NAfME All Eastern Convention, and 2017 ITG Conference. In addition, Nichols currently serves as Assistant Conductor for the Garden State Symphonic Band.

For nineteen years Dr. Nichols served as Director of Bands at Roxbury and Edison High School in New Jersey, where his ensembles were recognized for outstanding performance at numerous local, state, and many prestigious national festivals and concerts. Dr. Nichols recently co-authored two articles accepted for publication in The Journal of Band Research and WASBE Journal. His professional affiliations include the B1G, WASBE, CBDNA, and AFM.

Registration Deadline: 1 week prior to the start of the program.
Tuition must be paid in full 1 week prior to the start of the program.
Please read our Policies & Procedures Document for additional information on payment, cancellation, participant conduct, and media waivers. Your completion of registration indicates your acknowledgment and agreement to abide by these policies.