Music Educators are Singing Siena's Praises

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."

.