Several Kent State University students, including Julia Fedor, Gabriel MacWilliams, Emilee Sanor, Emma Grace Homoky, Sarah Basler, Brian Ruppel and Jake McQuaid participated in the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Intercollegiate Band April 4- 6.
The ensemble met during the CBDNA North Central Conference held at Ohio State University in Columbus. These students joined the finest undergraduate and graduate musicians from the Midwest to perform with peers from the University of Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State, the University of Wisconsin and others. “It is wonderful to have our students represent the Glauser School of Music in the CBDNA North Central Intercollegiate Band," said Dr. Sarah Labovitz, director of the Glauser School of Music. "These types of performance experiences supplement our students’ musical education in such a meaningful and memorable way. It brings me great joy to see our talented student musicians collaborating with other talented student musicians from across the Midwest and beyond!”
The ensemble was led by Professor Gary Hill, Professor Emeritus at Arizona State University. Over three days, students collaborated with Pulitzer Prize finalist composer, Augusta Reed Thomas, and John Mackey. This experience enabled the Kent State Glauser School of Music students to showcase their skills and build their professional networks by collaborating with renowned composers and conductors.
“Having our students perform alongside other top musicians from the region and work with renowned composers and conductors was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the Glauser School of Music,” said Dr. Ben Lorenzo, director of Bands and associate professor of music, “It also helped them develop their professional networks as the music field is very connected. Students found themselves crossing paths with the musicians they meet throughout their careers, so these events are helpful as they build their professional networks.”
Watch the CBDNA Intercollegiate Band Performance
About the College Band Directors National Association
The College Band Directors National Association serves a wide variety of constituents, from the conservatory wind ensemble to the athletic band, to the small college band and everything in between. They seek to be the best conductors, musicians and educators that they can be and pass that baton to the next generation.
The members of CBDNA are devoted to the teaching, performance, study and cultivation of music, with a particular focus on the wind band medium. CBDNA is an inclusive organization whose members are engaged in continuous dialogue encompassing a variety of philosophies and professional practices. CBDNA is committed to connecting individuals to communities, ideas and resources.