The Ithaca College School of Music was honored to present its premiere ensembles, the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Choir as the opening concert at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Annual Winter Conference on December 1. In honor of the conference, first held at Ithaca College in 1932, over 200 School of Music students created a special night of music in Rochester.
To celebrate the music educators of New York State, Ithaca College commissioned three fanfares to premiere at the Opening Concert. In demonstration of our deep appreciation of music teachers, and the critical service they provide, the fanfare scores are now available for free download from the School of Music website.
Dean Gregory Woodward said, “The School of Music presented an exquisite night of music for the opening concert of the NYSSMA festival this year. Our ensembles performed beautifully, and wonderfully presented our Fanfare gifts to all NYSSMA members.” He noted that for the entire four-day duration of the conference, Ithaca College alumni stopped him to say that the amazing concert had made them them proud to be an Ithacan. “Several alumni joked that after hearing our current students play, they realized they would probably never be admitted to the school today! The students were inspirational."
An equally important component to the NYSSMA conference is the opportunity to recruit 900 of the most talented high school music students in New York State. Thomas Kline, Director of Music Admissions and Preparatory Programs stated, “Many of our students who enroll from New York State have participated in NYSSMA. It is a chance to personally introduce them to our faculty and programs.” Kline observed several of our Ithaca College Summer Music Academy participants attending NYSSMA this year. “It is rewarding to see how our comprehensive summer program is really preparing students for these selective musical experiences."
The School of Music was well represented by not only student ensembles, but by the many faculty that made the trip to present research and reconnect with music education alumni that are now teaching throughout New York State. All three departments - Music Education, Music Performance, and Theory, History, and Composition - made such a strong and positive presence at this year’s NYSSMA Conference. “My belief is that the NYSSMA Winter Conference is both a great recruiting opportunity and our most powerful and effective means to share ideas with, reach out to, and collaborate with our public school music teacher colleagues,” said Keith Kaiser, Chair of the Music Education Department and Interim Associate Dean. “It is refreshing to see familiar faces, to find out how well so many of our alumni are doing personally and professionally, and especially rewarding to hear many conversations turn to the affirmation of the quality of education they received while being a music education major at Ithaca College."
Additional information and the commissioned fanfares are now available at www.ithaca.edu/music/nyssma.
About the School of Music: Now in its second century, the School of Music affirms its fundamental belief that music and the arts are essential components of the human experience. We strive to prepare our students to be world-class professionals and the music leaders of tomorrow – ready to transform individuals and communities by advancing the art of music. www.ithaca.edu/music
