Name: Rachel Grubb


Title of Program: Conducting Performance


E-mail Address: rgrubb1@utk.edu


Hometown: Knoxville, TN 


Year: Senior


Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2010 


Description of Program: 
My program focuses on the musical and practical aspects of conducting orchestras, operas, and choirs. It centers on training in conducting, violin, piano, music theory, ensemble leadership, and Italian. I am gaining valuable on-the-job experience as the Assistant Conductor of the Missouri Symphony Orchestra's 2008 and 2009 Hot Summer Nights Music Festival, the Assistant Conductor of the UT Symphony Orchestra, and the Founding Music Director and Conductor of the Oak Ridge Youth Symphony Orchestra and Summer Conservatory. I also observe rehearsals of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra as a Violinist and take part in national and international conducting workshops to build technique, rehearsal skills, and practical knowledge necessary to effectively lead an orchestra.

Departmental Emphases: School of Music 


Faculty Mentor: 
Professor James Fellenbaum, 
Director of Orchestras at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville 
Resident Conductor of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra 


Plans after graduation (career, graduate/professional school, etc.): 
After completing my undergraduate education, I will earn post-graduate degrees in conducting and go on to audition for jobs as Assistant Conductor for a major professional symphony orchestra. Eventually, I would like to have a career as a Music Director of a professional symphony orchestra and be the dean of a university school of music.

Other Academic Interests: 
Other Academic Interests: Italian, music theory, and enjoying classes taught by various liberal arts professors in the pursuit of my degree.

Employment:

2009 - present Founding Music Director - Oak Ridge Youth Symphony Orchestra and Oak Ridge Summer Conservatory (total students to date: over 150)

2008 & 2009 Assistant Conductor and Violinist - Missouri Symphony Orchestra

2007-2008 Assistant Conductor- Cokesbury Church Choir and Orchestra

2006-present Violinist- Knoxville Symphony Orchestra

2006-2007 Volunteer Violin Teacher- Joy of Music School

Hobbies: 
Hiking/ biking with my dogs, UT Chancellor's Honors Program