Dr. John Lychner, Director of Music Education in the School of Music at Stetson, was invited to serve as Artist in Residence and Conducting Clinician for “Curso Dirección Instrumental” in Querétaro, Mexico.  This conducting workshop was sponsored by the Faculty of Arts of the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, the Secretary of Extension of the University, and the Secretary of Culture of the City of Querétaro.  Daily workshop sessions were held from May 29 – June 2, 2023 with a culminating concert on Friday evening featuring participants who had demonstrated appropriate skill and improvement during the workshop and Dr. Lychner.  

The featured ensembles for the week were the Banda de Música del Estado de Querétaro (State Band), directed by Mtro. Aurelio Olvera Montaño, and the Banda Sinfónica Juvenil Santiago De Querétaro (City Youth Band), directed by Mtra. Sandra Kessler. The State Band is comprised of professional musicians who perform weekly concerts in and around Querétaro. The City Youth Band is a group of dedicated young musicians who perform both in Querétaro and at band festivals throughout central Mexico.  

45 musicians from throughout Central Mexico signed up for the workshop and 34 completed all requirements, receiving a certificate for their work.  14 of the participants were chosen to conduct on the concert.  Dr. Lychner was honored to close the concert, conducting “Festive Overture” by Shostakovich with the State Band.  

Dr. Lychner has served as a clinician and conductor in Querétaro several times in the past and was happy to spend time with old friends and make new ones.  Lychner notes, “The people of Central Mexico are kind and welcoming and the participants were highly engaged in all aspects of the workshop.  It was a wonderful experience!”