Remembering our Own
Eileen M. Hayes
Across the country, faculty are greeting new students, and many for the first time. This past weekend was a time for me to reflect on the remembrance associated with the U.S. observance of Labor Day, but with a twist. I think here of the labor of mind and heart that our members bring to higher education as teaching artists, composers, music educators, music industry specialists, historians, theorists, conductors, ethnomusicologists, music therapists, and performers. Although different from the trade unionist labor associated with the founding of the federal holiday, our careers in music, sustained over the years by joy, sweat equity, care, and grit are significant.
Just as we acknowledge the ongoing work of our members, we pause to reflect on the contributions of those no longer with us. Many have contributed to CMS over the years. The passings, this summer, of the pre-eminent music educator, Olin G. Parker, as well as Robert Judd, executive director of the American Musicological Society, prompt me to reflect on the opportunities we have within CMS, to honor those who have made lasting contributions to our profession. I mention these colleagues because notice of their respective deaths were received by the national office, but there are others unbeknownst to us. While our respective institutions may direct remembrances to funds of the departed’s choosing, I would be remiss in not reminding members of the CMS Fund and the capacity for donations to pay tribute to the deceased while making a difference in the musical lives of others. The Labor Day weekend is a time we can honor the intellectual, musical, and artistic labor of those who have come before and pay it forward.
Best wishes for a fulfilling fall.