Ithaca College

Dr. Sara Haefeli from the School of Music presents her research at the interdisciplinary symposium "New Music & The North American Academy" at SUNY Potsdam, on April 13, 2012.

Her paper, “John Cage’s HPSCHD at the University of Illinois (1969),” addresses the role of the avant garde composer within the context of the midwest research institution during the late 1960s, especially focusing on the role of "big science" on new music.

For many producers of new music, institutions of higher education provide an important source of patronage, employment, and shelter from the conservative tastes of the concert-going public. Meanwhile, countless conservatory and music department mission statements celebrate colleges and universities as necessary access points for community members to enjoy contemporary fine arts. As colleges and universities grow and assume new roles in the twenty-first century, relationships between new music and the academy are continually redefined. This symposium hopes to promote lively discussion of the rich history of these partnerships and speculation upon possible future directions.

Click here for more information on the conference.