Update from the Don Wright Faculty of Music

Dear Alumni,

I hope this email finds you and your loved ones healthy and safe during these uncertain times.

With classes and exams moved online to wrap up the winter term due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Western Music students have of course experienced feelings of sadness and loss that comes with not being able to experience final performances and recitals in front of audiences, and other final gatherings in classes and informal spaces. But I am proud of the way our faculty, staff and students have come together to connect virtually and find their way through this together.

I was particularly touched by the efforts of third-year Music Education student Roisin Miland who has been urging fellow students to send her their music contributions, and has been sharing these on House Music Challenge Instagram, Twitter and Facebook feeds. I encourage you to follow these feeds if you aren’t already.

I am also proud to share with you news of recent honours for two of our esteemed Faculty members:

• Last week, Music History professor James Grier was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship – one of just seven Canadians among 173 global scholars, writers and artists. James is a world-renowned scholar in the origins of musical literacy, specifically in the evolution of ‘plainsong’ medieval music dating from AD 800-1100.
• And on April 8, Music Theory professor Jonathan De Souza was named a Faculty Scholar by Western. This year, the University selected 16 Faculty Scholars to recognize their significant achievements in teaching or research. The recipients are considered all-around scholars and will hold the title for two years and receive $7,000 each year for scholarly activities.

And finally, as important members of our Music community at Western, I am also writing you today to share some personal news. I wanted you to be among the first to know that my term as Dean will come to an end next year, on July 31^st, 2021. This will mark 10 years since I assumed the role in 2011.

While the timing of this announcement is challenging given the ever-changing environment in which we currently live, the University's search process for my successor begins with such an announcement at this time.

It has been my honour to serve as Dean, and to have the opportunity to connect and get to know so many alumni and friends. It truly has been a highlight of my time as Dean! I look forward to meeting with as many of you as possible over the next 15 months to celebrate all we have achieved together.

Best,

Betty Anne
Dean, Don Wright Faculty of Music