Siena came to the rescue this month to host a statewide music conference that otherwise would have been canceled.
Music educators across New York have gathered in Albany each summer for a professional conference organized by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA), and co-hosted by the state chapters of organizations dedicated to directing band, choir and orchestra.
Last fall, when NYSSMA decided to discontinue the summer event, leadership in the state chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (NY-ACDA) stepped up to preserve and reimagine the event at the College of St. Rose. Unfortunately, St Rose announced a couple weeks later that they were closing their doors for good.
NY-ACDA did not want to let the conference go. They reached out to Tim Reno, D.M.A., professor of creative arts at Siena, to see if Siena could help. The answer was “yes.” In addition to professional development for faculty, the event now offers an honor choir experience for elementary, middle, and high school students. Siena made it all happen. Not only did the College save the conference this year by offering the necessary facilities and set-up for August 10-11, discussion is underway to have the event held here each year.
“Together we literally saved the existence of this amazing event for students and teachers,” said Reno. “Knowing we do not have the facilities of a music conservatory, we had to get a little inventive about the spaces and equipment to make sure they would support all the simultaneous activities. It all came together beautifully.”
Nearly 200 students from throughout the state who were recommended by their choral directors came to sing together in three different honor choirs led by world-renowned clinicians. Colleagues teaching choral music from pre-K to doctoral levels came to connect and be inspired. They discussed leadership, vocal pedagogy, repertoire, neuroscience and social psychology, vocal jazz techniques, conducting a masterclass, and more. The event concluded with a set of Sunday concerts, with full houses of families and friends there to support the students.
Reno explained that experiences like this “provide a foundation for learning and community that grow with children.
“Hosting conferences like this is a great way to build connections throughout the state. Attendees – both students and faculty – will see Siena as a place where they have positive experiences that are supportive of their goals.”
Morgan Jolley, Ph.D. is membership chair of the NY ACDA and co-chaired the conference committee. She is also an assistant professor at Queens College, CUNY.
"Our association was thrilled to be hosted by Siena College for our inaugural professional development conference!" she said. "More than 80 choral directors from around the state and country were able to grow in our craft and make music together, and nearly 200 students and their families had magical musical experiences throughout the weekend, culminating in magnificent concerts. We were honored that President Chuck Seifert joined us, and we sincerely appreciate Dr. Tim Reno for his role in helping to organize the conference."
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