The University of South Dakota’s Choral Directors Institute is an intensive program designed to expose music educators to the best in current and standard literature in addition to teaching methods and materials. We are excited to once again offer the institute in person on the USD campus in Vermillion from Wednesday, June 25 to Friday, June 27, 2025.
The University of South Dakota’s Choral Directors Institute is an intensive program designed to expose music educators to the best in current and standard literature in addition to teaching methods and materials. The three-day institute will include large ensemble reading sessions, master classes and clinic sessions that focus on a wide variety of teaching subjects for choral directors. The tuition costs may be paid online, by check with pre-registration or on the first day of the institute. Participants are highly encouraged to pre-register to ensure an appropriate number of reading packets are available. Registration for the institute is $250. Pre-registration by June 1 will lower the fee to $225.
Guest Clinician: Dr. Andrew Last
Dr. Andrew Last is the Weston Noble Endowed Professor and Director of Choral Activities at Luther College in Decorah, IA where he conducts the Nordic Choir, teaches conducting, and serves as the Artistic Director for Christmas at Luther. Last holds a DMA in choral conducting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he was named a Hixon-Lied Fellow. He received his Master of Music from Northern Arizona University and his Bachelor of Arts in music education and voice from Luther College. Ensembles under Last’s direction have been featured at the 2016, 2022, and 2026 regional and 2017 and 2025 national ACDA conventions. Last made his Carnegie Hall conducting debut in 2019. A frequent clinician and guest conductor around the United States and abroad, Last has conducted All-State ensembles in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, and South Dakota.
Participants have the option of staying on campus or planning their own accommodations during the institute. Participants wishing to stay on campus may stay in airconditioned, single occupancy residence hall rooms at a rate of $55 per night plus applicable tax, pending Board of Regents approval. These rates do not include bed linens or towels.
Participants have the option to earn graduate credit for participation in certain sessions. Payment of tuition ($40 per credit hour) for graduate credit is due on the day of registration. Tuition rates are set by the South Dakota Board of Regents and are subject to change without notice. Selected clinicians and/or USD faculty instruct all sessions.
MUS790 Rehearsal Techniques and Classroom Methods for the Choral Educator
Master classes and clinics focusing on teaching materials, techniques and pedagogy for music educators, grades K–12.
MUS790 Choral Music for Educational Ensembles
Reading sessions focusing on a wide variety of choral music for public school choirs, grades K–12. Materials will include both standard works and new releases from major publishers.
MUS790 Special Topics in Choral Music Education
Seminars and roundtable discussions to allow the choral director to focus on current trends in the area of choral music education. A written final project is required.
Develop the skills necessary to be successful in your musical career while gaining lifelong friends and mentors. Whether you are interested in teaching, music performance or music history — or some combination of the three — the Department of Music will provide you with real-world experiences and connections to help you succeed.
I have always loved the events the College of Fine Arts features. From live theatrical productions, to ever changing art gallery shows, to music concerts and operas; there is ALWAYS something happening and constant opportunities to enrich your life through the arts.
Benjamin Schultz
B.F.A. Theatre Design and Technology '22
Minneapolis, MN
