This week at the College of Music: Community Edition - March 16, 2023

In this edition of the Dean’s Downbeat, Dean John Davis shares highlights from recent College of Music activities and accomplishments, including his perspective on the significance of our 2023 Annual Distinguished Lectureship: “The research and lived experiences of trailblazers like André de Quadros ignite understanding of this current moment in American and world history—and how diverse, creative communities can help shape, sustain and support a democracy that ensures justice and liberty for everyone.”

• TODAY at 4 p.m. in Grusin Music Hall: Join us for the College of Music’s Annual Distinguished Lectureship featuring André de Quadros!
• Inclusive excellence at the College of Music: A Q&A with our Associate Dean for DEI Susan Thomas and Diversity + Outreach Coordinator Alexis McClain.
• The College of Music is excited to host the prestigious 2023 National Trumpet Competition soon, March 25-27! Check out the schedule.
• April 12-14: The 2023 Conference on World Affairs will explore the global climate crisis. Check out the schedule, including the CU Jazz Big Band on April 13, led by Paul Romaine and featuring jazz hits, old and new; and featuring Associate Professor of Composition Jeffrey Nytch in “Changing Planet: Creating and Curating Art”—a panel exploring how climate change has affected artistic creation, musical compositions and exhibitions, also on April 13.
• Double alumna Annie Booth (BM jazz studies ’11 and MM jazz performance + pedagogy ’20) has launched Brava Jazz Publishing—a new outlet that supports and champions women jazz composers and arrangers by providing a platform for their music to be widely accessed. Booth’s collaboration with fellow jazz composer/arranger Alan Baylock comprises a diverse catalog of big band music for all ability levels—from middle school to professional, composed and/or arranged by women. In short, Brava Jazz Publishing is making jazz herstory: Congratulations, Annie!
• Another amazing alumna—Bonnie Draina (DMA ’06)—takes a multifaceted approach to promoting health and well-being among musicians worldwide. Her writing has garnered the support of baritone Thomas Hampson who wrote the foreword for her book, “The Breathing Book for Singers.” This Body Mapping workbook is used in vocal pedagogy programs at leading schools; it also led the Korean Foundation for Voice of Performing Arts to invite Draina to write chapters on Body Mapping and the Alexander Technique for a recently-published vocal pedagogy textbook. Draina is a long-time affiliate of the College of Music’s Musicians’ Wellness Program.

• Stay current with the College of Music in our online newsroom.
• Access upcoming CU Presents digital program books here.