I participated in the 2017 College Orchestra Directors Association (CODA) National Conference in Washington D.C., hosted by George Mason University on Feb 1-4. CODA is the only professional organization dedicated solely to the advancement of college and university orchestra directors.

The conference was attended by 75 college orchestra directors, (among 280 in membership) representing public, private, liberal arts, schools of music institutions.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Performances by Baltimore Symphony & National Symphony Orchestras (Q&A with Maestro Eschenbach)
• Performance by the USAF Strolling Strings (a rare public performance)
• Performance by two selected university orchestras
• Library of Congress Tour
• Historical keynote address by 92-year old Col. Arnald D. Gabriel

KEEPING THE FLAME ALIVE

Among the sessions on topics and issues that are unique to college orchestra directors, the one of special relevance was Orchestra in Liberal Arts College – on recruiting, student academic well-being, administrative support, and building community. All these sessions offered rich information in the area of teaching, programming and conducting.

BRINGING IT HOME

My participation will contribute to the growth and advancement of our University’s orchestra especially now with accreditation by the National Association for Schools of Music, where we will need to show evidence of rigor and performance standards required by collegiate orchestras.