KENNESAW, Ga. | Oct 9, 2026

International conducting exchange takes Bailey School of Music’s growing global presence to New Zealand

Dr. Ryan Fellman, director of choral activities at Kennesaw State University's Bailey School of Music, has been selected as one of six American conductors to participate in the International Conductors Exchange Programme (ICEP) with New Zealand.

Fellman will represent the American Choral Directors Association as part of an international exchange designed to foster collaboration between choral conductors and communities. He will host his exchange partner, New Zealand educator and composer Takerei Komene, during the ACDA National Conference in Minneapolis in spring 2027 before traveling to New Zealand later that year.

In the Fall of 2027, Komene and Fellman will continue the exchange in New Zealand, representing their respective countries for The Big Sing— a nationwide competition and New Zealand’s largest choral event held August 26-28, 2027, in Auckland. American delegates at The Big Sing will observe rehearsals and attend seminars with local choral leaders introducing New Zealand’s unique music culture. The ICEP is considered highly competitive, and Dr. Fellman says that peers who have been accepted described the program as "one of the best things they’ve done professionally and chorally."

For Fellman, the opportunity is also a chance to represent KSU and expand the Bailey School of Music's promience on an international stage.

"The Bailey School of Music is making its way internationally," Fellman said. "First the tour in Spain, and now bringing word of Kennesaw State University to New Zealand."

This is Fellman's first year as Director of Choral Activities for the Bailey School of Music and third year as faculty at KSU. Under Fellman's direction, the Chamber Singers represented KSU at the 2026 Georgia Music Educators Association in January and then completed their first-ever international tour to Spain in March.  

From Spain to New Zealand, Fellman's growing international presence is creating new opportunities to share the work of KSU's Bailey School of Music with audiences around the world.