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- D.M.A., Musical Arts, Orchestral Conducting, University of Iowa (USA)
- M.M., Music, Orchestral Conducting, University of New Mexico (USA)
- B.A., Music and Theatre/Dance concentration, Knox College, Illinois (USA)
At Wilfrid Laurier University, I am an Associate Dean of Performance and Recruitment, an Associate Professor of Music, the Conductor of the Symphony Orchestra, and have taught courses in conducting and orchestral literature. As a passionate educator, I have been nominated for a Grammy Music Educator Award, the Laurier Innovation in Teaching Award, and was the recipient of the prestigious 2018 FSC Miller Distinguished Professor Award.
I was selected for a prestigious Fulbright Scholar Award in 2023-24, where I will be in New Zealand for five months conducting, teaching, mentoring students, collaborating with local composers, and conducting research in the National Library of New Zealand. During my Fulbright, I will be a visiting scholar and artist-in-residence at The New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī, at Victoria University, in Wellington, New Zealand.
I have recently been named the principal conductor of the Waterloo Chamber Players (WCP) and am a finalist for the Prince Edward Island Symphony Orchestra (PEISO) Music Director position. I am the 2022 winner of the Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music, a 2022 finalist in the National American Prize in Music virtual concert production category and am a past prize winner in Opera Conducting category. Upcoming guest conducting engagements include Carnegie Hall, the Vienna Opera Academy, Oregon All-State Orchestra, Orlando All-County Orchestra, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, Waterloo Chamber Players, Prince Edward Island Symphony Orchestra, and residencies in Thailand, South Korea, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, British Columbia, and Hawaii.
I was the winner of the International Conductors Workshop and Competition and the winner of the International Institute for Conductors in Bulgaria. In 2017, I conducted the Vidin State Philharmonic Orchestra in a Concerto Festival and was invited back to guest conduct in their 2017-18 season. In the summers of 2019 and 2018, I served as artist in residence and guest conductor at the University of Aveiro (Portugal) where I mentored graduate conducting students and conducted the University Orchestra. During my residency in Portugal, I was also invited as a guest lecturer and conducting mentor at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Castilla y León in Salamanca, Spain. In addition, I served as the string director at the International Opera Performing Experience Festival in Mercatello sul Metauro (Italy) in summer 2019.
Additional guest conducting appearances include conducting the 2021 Florida All-State Honors Orchestra, the Gwinnett Symphony Chamber Symphony (Georgia), the Imperial Symphony Orchestra (Florida), the Seasons Music Festival Orchestra in Yakima, Washington, and the Bulgarian State Opera in Burgas. In 2015 I was selected to participate in a conducting festival in St. Petersburg, Russia where I conducted the orchestra in the historic Mariinsky Theatre. I have held international conducting fellowships and studies in Vienna, Rotterdam and Amsterdam conservatories in the Netherlands and Bulgaria. I have also participated in conducting workshops with Gustav Meier, Ulrich Nicolai, and Harold Farberman.
A passionate global educator, I have led students in a variety of study and performance abroad opportunities, including travels to Italy, Russia, Bulgaria, and Portugal. I have worked with middle school and high school students in Summer Orchestra Music Camps at the University of Iowa, The University of Tampa, and Florida Southern College where I served as the director from 2014-2019. As a highly sought-after clinician I have adjudicated for Florida Orchestra Association, Music USA Festival at Universal Studios in Orlando, Brightparks Travel Festivals, and OrlandoFest, and have conducted various All-County Orchestra Festivals.
As a collaborative leader in community engagement, I have served on Faculty Senate and the Board of Directors for the Imperial Symphony Orchestra and the St. Augustine Youth Orchestra. As an advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, I serve on the orchestra panel for And We Were Heard (AWWH), an organization that brings quality recordings of works by underrepresented composers, and am a mentor for Girls Who Conduct, a program that encourages the upcoming generation of women, women-identifying, and non-binary conductors. As a recipient of the Sigma Alpha Iota Conducting Scholarship, I have presented research at international, national, and state conferences including the International Conference on Arts & Humanities (IAFOR), The National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), American String Teachers Association (ASTA), and Florida Music Education Association (FMEA).
Recognized for my research and contribution to the field, I have been awarded numerous research grants including the Laurier Student Life Levy, Laurier Research Grant, Ontario Arts Grants, American String Teachers Association Grants, Sigma Alpha Iota Professional Development Grants, FSC Faculty Summer Stipend and Professional Grants, FSC Faculty and Student Collaboration Grant, as well as the University of Tampa Alumni, Dana, and the David Delo Research Professor Grants.
My research on health and music has been published in Health Education Journal (SAGE publications, UK) and my development and innovative reconstruction of ensemble curriculum is published in the College Orchestra Directors Association (CODA) Journal, Advances in Online Education (AOE) Journal, Music Education Journal (MEJ), and The International Academic Forum (IAFOR International Arts & Humanities, 2022). I have also been a contributing author for Wenger Music Corporation and Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) Panpipes magazine. A native of Kansas (USA), I hold a bachelor’s degree in music and theatre from Knox College, a master’s degree in orchestral conducting from the University of New Mexico, and a doctoral degree in orchestral conducting from the University of Iowa, where I studied with William LaRue Jones.
Research interests include orchestral conducting, opera conducting, development of conducting gestures and conducting pedagogy, and violin performance and pedagogy. Ongoing interests include dance and movement techniques, innovative collaborative projects, and creating new works with indigenous composers and music-makers and the Symphony Orchestra.
- Fulbright Award, US (Research and Teaching in New Zealand) (2023)
- Winner, American Prize in Music (Ernst Bacon Memorial Award in American Music performance, conductor of orchestra summer camp) (2023)
- Finalist, American Prize in Music (virtual concert category) (USA) (2023)
- Semi-finalist, American Prize in Music (Ernst Bacon Memorial Award in American Music performance, conductor of University ensemble) (USA) (2022)
- Miller Distinguished Professor Award, Florida Southern College (2018)
- Winner, Mastering the Concerto Conducting Festival, the International Institute for Conductors,
- Vidin, Bulgaria (2017)
- First Prize Winner, International Conductors Workshop and Competition, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (2016)
- Faculty and Student Summer Collaboration Research Grant, Florida Southern College (2019, 2017)
- Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Be Curious Mini-Grant, Florida Southern College (2018)
- Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) Professional Development Music Grant (2019, 2016)
- Faculty Summer Stipend Award, Florida Southern College (2015)
- Finalist and Third Prize winner, The American Prize in Opera Conducting (2014)
- Semi-Finalist for The American Prize in Orchestral Conducting (2014)
- Faculty Professional Development Travel Grants, Florida Southern College (2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014)
- American String Teachers Association (ASTA) String Project Grants (2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014,
- David Delo Research Professor Grant, The University of Tampa (2013)
- Dana Professor Grant, The University of Tampa (2013)
- Alumni Grant, The University of Tampa (2013)
- Professional Development Travel Grants, The University of Tampa (2013, 2012)
I have mentored advanced conducting students in individual lessons. I have also directed and guided unique travel and professional performance opportunities. Recent opportunities include travels and faculty-student collaborative performances in Portugal, Spain, Italy and Bulgaria. Other unique experiences include leading a group of students on a trip to Russia as part of a culture and fine arts course. I have also presented research with students in state and national conferences in the United States. Additional faculty-student collaborations have included conducting student soloists in concerto/aria concerts. I truly enjoy guiding and mentoring students in these unique opportunities to perform as a soloist with a symphony orchestra.
ARTICLE PUBLICATIONS
- Omelchenko, K. & Ferguson, C. (Sept 2023). Thinking outside the Zoom Box: Discovering Resilience, Innovation, and Creativity for Large Instrumental Ensembles During the Pandemic. Advances in Online Education Journal. Henry Stewart Publications LLP (London, UK).
- Omelchenko, K. (Sept 2023). A Conductor’s Exploration: Developing and Scaffolding Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for the University Orchestra. College Orchestra Directors Association (CODA) Journal.
- Omelchenko, K. (2023). Tips for Preparing your Physical Conducting Space for Efficient Rehearsals. Guest Author, Wenger Teaching Resources.
- Omelchenko, K. & Ferguson, C. (2022). Thinking outside the Zoom Box: Discovering Resilience, Innovation, and Creating Valuable Experiences for Ensembles During the Pandemic. The International Academic Forum (IAFOR International Arts & Humanities, 2022).
- Omelchenko, K. (2019). Guest Conducting in Portugal. Contributing Author, Pan Pipes Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI).
- Omelchenko, K. Hall, C. A., Gainey, M., & Olson, G. (2018). “Rhythms of the Heart: An Interprofessional Community Health Collaboration to Increase Cardiovascular Health Knowledge.” Health Education Journal.
- Culturally Responsible Pedagogy in the [Collegiate] Symphony Orchestra Program. American String Teachers Association (ASTA) National Conference Orlando, FL. (selected as special board presentation) (2023).
- Breaking Barriers and Building Communities: The Power and Unity of Music and Strategies for Refocusing the Lens of Orchestral Performances. IAFOR International Conference on Arts and Humanities in Hawaii (IICAH2023).
- Breaking Barriers: Strategies for Refocusing the Lens of Orchestral Performances. Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA) Conference. Tampa, FL. (2023).
- Thinking Outside the Zoom Box: Discovering Resilience, Innovation, and Creating Valuable Experiences for Ensemble During the Pandemic. Honorary Spotlight Speaker. Presentation with Dr. Colleen Ferguson (University of Texas-Kingsville). IAFOR International Conference on Arts and Humanities in Hawaii (virtual conference) (IICAH2022).
- Thinking Outside the Zoom Box—Creative Solutions for Ensemble Delivery. Guest Presenter. National Association for Music Education (NAfME) National Eastern Division Virtual Conference (2021).
- Rhythms of the Heart and the Power of Interprofessional Collaboration. Presentation with Professor Carrie Hall (School of Nursing) National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE) National Conference Savannah, GA. (2018).
- From Zero to Hero: Strategies for Building a String Program from Scratch. Guest Presenter. American String Teachers Association (ASTA) National Conference, Tampa, FL. (2016).
- Unlocking the Elements of Texture: What to Listen for During Rehearsals. Guest Presenter. All-County Orchestra Festival, Directors Workshop, Florida (2016).
- From Zero to Hero: Strategies for Building a String Program from Scratch. Guest Presenter. National Association for Music Education (NAfME) National Conference, Nashville, TN. (2015).
- Innovative Movement Strategies for the Music Classroom. Guest Presenter. Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA) Conference. Tampa, FL. (2015).
- The Art of Editing Music Manuscripts. Guest Lecturer. Honors Symposium Guest Lecture Series. The University of Tampa (2014).
- Setting Expectations on and off the Podium. Guest Presenter. National Association for Music Education (NAfME) National Conference Nashville, TN. (2014).
- Innovative Movement and Music Strategies in the Classroom. Presentation with Professor Susannah LeMarquand (Dance Department) National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE) National Conference. Baltimore, MD. (2014).
- The Art of Editing Music Manuscripts. Guest Lecturer. Faculty Colloquium Presentation. The University of Tampa (2014)
- Setting Expectations on and off the Podium. Guest Presenter. Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA) Conference. Tampa, FL. (2014).
- Using Music to Teach Innovation and Technology Management. Presentation with Professor Michael Weeks (Business College) National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE) National Conference. St. Petersburg, FL. (2013).
- Conducting Opera in Bulgaria. Guest Lecturer. Faculty Colloquium Presentation. The University of Tampa (2013).
- Carnegie Hall (NYC, US) (2023)
- Vienna Opera Academy (2023)
- Bangkok, Thailand International Music Festival (2023)
- Guest Conductor, South Korea Universities (2023)
- Guest Conductor, Prince Edward Island Symphony Orchestra (PEISO)(2023)
- Guest Conductor, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony (KWS) (2023)
- Guest Conductor, Waterloo Chamber Players (WCP) Orchestra (2023)
- Guest Conductor, Oregon All-State Orchestra (2023)
- Guest Conductor, Orlando All-County Orchestra (2023)
- Guest Conductor, Waterloo Region Middle School Honour Band (CAN) (2023)
- Guest Conductor, Florida All-State Honors Orchestra (2021)
- Director of String Program, International Opera Performing Experience Festival (IOPE), Mercatello sul Metauro, Italy (2019)
- Artist in Residence and Guest Conductor, The University of Aveiro, Portugal (2019, 2018)
- Guest Conductor, Vidin State Philharmonic Orchestra, Bulgaria (2018)
- Guest Conductor, Osceola All-County Honor Orchestra, Florida (2018)
- Guest Conductor, Hillsborough All-County Honor Orchestra, Florida (2018, 2014)
- Guest Conductor, Gwinnett Symphony Chamber Orchestra, Georgia (2016)
- Guest Conductor, Imperial Symphony Orchestra, Florida (2016)
- Guest Conductor, Pinellas All-County Honor Orchestra, Florida (2016)
- Assistant Conductor, Imperial Symphony Opera, Florida (2016, 2015)
- Interim Director and Conductor, St. Augustine Youth Orchestra, Florida (2015-2016)
- Conducting Fellow, Conducting Workshop with the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra,
- St. Petersburg, Russia (2015)
- Director and Conductor, Florida Southern College Orchestra Summer Camp (2015-2019)
- Director and Conductor, The University of Tampa Orchestra Summer Camp (2012-2014)
- Director and Conductor, The University of Tampa, Honors Orchestra Festival (2012-2014)
- Conducting Fellow, Opera Conducting Festival, Bulgarian State Opera Burgas, Bulgaria (2011)
- Music Director and Conductor, St. Ambrose University Community Symphony Orchestra (2010-2012)