It is with great pleasure that I write to update you about the School of Music. Every ten years the School of Music prepares for re-accreditation from NASM, the National Association of Schools of Music. NASM is the only national organization which establishes standards for college-level music programs and accredits over 600 member institutions ranging from music departments, to schools of music, to conservatories. Preparation for re-accreditation involves completing a self-study which was submitted to NASM in January 2007. The self study provides an important opportunity to study curriculum, faculty, performance, financial support, student outcomes, alumni perceptions, and many other significant areas as we review what has happened over the past ten years and set the course for the future. A visiting team consisting of Don Casey, the dean of the School of Music at DePaul University and Glenn Chandler, the Director of the School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin visited our school on February 19 and 20, 2007 to observe classes, meet faculty and students, hear performances, and confirm the information contained in the self study. We now await the close examination of our entire school by the visitors and the Commission on Accreditation of NASM. We are always anxious to receive confirmation of the many wonderful aspects of our program and discover ways we can make a strong program even better.
This issue highlights a number of significant events that occurred during the fall semester. It also describes the excitement surrounding our Wind Ensemble tour to Ireland over spring break, the fourth School of Music ensemble to have this experience. Our students are also thrilled to be participating in the full staging of “The Count of Monte Cristo,” the musical written by student composer Brett Boles ‘07 as part of the 2006-07 Theatre Department season.
I also want to bring to your attention the upcoming retirement reception that will be held on May 10 at 4:00 p.m. for Professor Angus Godwin. Now completing his 38th year at the College, Professor Godwin has touched the lives of many generations of singers here at the School of Music. Please consider writing a letter to be included in the memory book we are assembling for him.
As I close this message, I want to gratefully thank the many graduates of our school who have responded to the call for support through the Ithaca Fund for the School of Music. This year in particular is so important as we focus on the Capital Campaign for the College which can be supported through the Annual Fund. I encourage you to consider a gift for this fund if you have not had an opportunity to consider it in the past, and I want to thank those of you who are becoming regular supporters of our school. An envelope is enclosed for your convenience in expressing that support.
I hope to see many of you in the coming year. In the meantime I welcome any email comments to my attention at ostrande@ithaca.edu. On behalf of the School of Music faculty and staff, I offer best wishes for your musical endeavors.
