The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera announce Matthew Gardner as the recipient of its 3rd annual Kayoko Dan Conducting Scholarship. The scholarship will offer Mr. Gardner an opportunity to work directly with the CSO’s Music Director Kayoko Dan during the 2019/20 season.
Mr. Gardner is a senior Instrumental Music Education major and percussionist at UTC. A native of Chattanooga, he graduated from Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences. After graduating from UTC in 2020, he plans to further his education in percussion performance and orchestral conducting. He has held principal positions in orchestras and ensembles in the Chattanooga area, including the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Youth Orchestras and the UTC Orchestra.
"I was lucky to learn from a number of mentors when I was a young conductor, and while I can never repay them for their guidance, I can continue to ‘pay it forward’ by mentoring a new generation of conductors," said Ms. Dan, who will celebrate her ninth year as the CSO's music director and conductor in September. "I am excited to begin working with Matthew, a very promising young musician.”
In addition to the scholarship, Mr. Gardner will learn score study techniques, orchestra operations, management and leadership skills, and rehearsal techniques. Individual conducting lessons with Ms. Dan are included, as well as opportunities to attend CSO rehearsals and performances throughout the season.
For more information about the Kayoko Dan Conducting Scholarship please visit: http://www.chattanoogasymphony.org/conducting-scholarship.