Sixty-Fourth National Conference (2021)

On behalf of the 2021 CMS National Conference program committee, it is my great pleasure to invite you to participate in our Sixty-Fourth National Conference, which will take place from October 7-9, 2021 in Rochester, New York, and in part at the Eastman School of Music. This conference is held in conjunction with the Association for Technology in Music Instruction (ATMI).

This year’s conference features performances, papers, workshops, panels, campfire discussions, and more that beautifully respond to the conference call highlighting music’s pivotal role in the intersections among higher education, music, and social justice movements. Many sessions feature music that celebrates diverse ethnic, cultural, and gender identities, and others will present bold and innovative ideas that respond to the Society’s emphasis on leading change in turbulent times and reposition creativity (composition, improvisation, entrepreneurial thinking and action) at the heart of what we do. From the welcome ceremony, which features a performance by Iroquois Dancers and a thanksgiving address by members of the Seneca Tribe, to the closing discussion pods that will send us out to inspire and lead change in our own ways, this conference is a call to action..

Our keynote speakers are dynamic leaders in their fields: Dylan Robinson, who holds the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Arts at Queens University; Melissa Ngan, the founder of Fifth House Ensemble and now President and CEO of the American Composers Orchestra; and Awadagin Pratt, pianist and professor at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Because their plenary sessions are sure to be thought-provoking and inspiring, we have designed multiple opportunities to interact with the speakers and fellow conference attendees throughout the conference, from post-plenary discussion pods to extended networking time, new digital engagement opportunities via the conference app, and a special dine-around opportunity for the best combination of food and conversation.

Showcase performances and Awadagin Pratt’s plenary session will take place in the beautiful facilities of the Eastman School of Music, a short walk from the Riverside Convention Center. In addition, conference attendees will have the opportunity to hear the Eastman Wind Ensemble on Friday evening in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. Pre-conference workshops on October 6th (free for conference attendees with advance registration) provide another opportunity to engage with important topics in our field.

Fall is a wonderful time to visit Rochester, New York, and the opportunity to engage with fellow CMS members in person will be truly special. My own experiences with CMS have been some of the most meaningful in my career, as developing connections with colleagues from across all music disciplines has taught me so much and broadened my perspective in tremendous ways for many years. I know many of you have had similar experiences, and I hope that you will be able to join us in Rochester for a conference that is sure to be inspiring!

Sincerely,

Tracy Cowden, 2021 Program Chair