Callum Rookes

Callum Rookes, affectionately known as "That British Conductor Guy" is a British-European conductor of great versatility, sensitivity, and dynamism. He’s established himself as a sought after conductor for his refreshing, humorous, and energetic demeanour on the podium; and his sincere, warm, and inviting approach to music making. In the UK, Callum has conducted leading ensembles such as the Central Band of the Royal Air force, His Majesty's Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards, Birmingham Symphonic Winds, The London Video Game Orchestra, and has had professional engagements with the BBC and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Internationally, Callum has attracted further attention and has guest conducted the San Francisco Philharmonic Orchestra, the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra, the New York Paramount Orchestra, and the University of Milwaukee Wind Ensemble. He’s been selected for international conducting workshops including the Maestro Masterclass in New York, the International Conducting Institute, the International Sherborne Summer School for Conducting, and the University of Milwaukee Conducting Symposium. Callum has received tuition from some of the most sought after clinicians in the field including Donald Schleicher (Director of Orchestras, Northwestern University), Mark Heron (Head of Conducting, Royal Northern College of Music), Diane Wittry (Allentown Symphony Orchestra), Bjorn Sagsted (Grieg Academy of Music), Col. Jason Fettig ret. (Director, President’s own Marine Band) and Professor Michael Haithcock (Professor Emeritus of Music, University of Michigan). Excitingly, after the most recent symposium in Milwaukee, Callum was invited to study for a Masters in Conducting as a Graduate Teaching assistant under the tutelage of Dr Thomas Gamboa at The Peck School of the Arts. Callum also leads workshops for groups seeking to develop their ensemble playing skills, and wanting a fresh perspective from a third person. He is open to discussing your needs and how he can be a guest clinician with your group. Prior to being a professional conductor, Callum was the Principal tubist in Her Majesty's Coldstream Guards, later the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, and took part in the most significant state ceremonial events in recent years such as the State Funeral of Her Majesty QE II.