Mon, April 22
In faculty member Jill Gatlin's course Climate Change Culture and Performance Practicum, part of NEC's Integrative Curriculum, students gained an understanding of climate science, the sociology and geography of climate injustice, representations of climate change in art, and methods of engaging audiences across the arts — and this was just one-half of their coursework. They also acquired invaluable professional skills through the project-based Performance Practicum, in which they used their new knowledge to design, produce, market, and execute a live concert in collaboration with their peers titled
What Washes Over: Sounds of Climate Grief and Action.Wed, April 17
New England Conservatory is delighted to announce that three musical luminaries will receive honorary degrees during its 153rd Commencement exercises on May 19 in Jordan Hall. Songwriter, recording artist, and philanthropist Paul Simon, who will also be the featured speaker; five-time Grammy-winning soprano, educator, and MacArthur Fellow Dawn Upshaw; and conductor Robert Spano, a four-time Grammy winner who is Music Director of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Music Director Laureate of the Atlanta Symphony after 20 seasons at the helm, and who has served as Music Director of the Aspen Music Festival and School since 2011, will all receive honorary Doctor of Music degrees.
Mon, March 18
In October 2023, NEC alumna and tenor trombonist Katie Franke ’22 MM commenced her role as the first-ever female trombonist and low brass player in the history of the "President's Own" United States Marine Band. As a female-identifying musician in the male-dominated world of trombone performance, Franke has already made history with her appointment to the U.S. Marine Band and continues to break down barriers for fellow female trombonists.
Tue, March 5
By adding a lab component to "Music of Ghana," a Music Theory course taught at NEC since 2014 by composer, theorist, and faculty member Dr. Felicia Sandler, NEC effectively bridges the gap between what students learn in the classroom and its real-life application. As Dr. Sandler immerses students in music theories tied to Ghanaian repertoires, they derive more meaning from their knowledge by also learning traditional dancing and drumming from prominent royal drummer Emmanuel Attah Poku, a Tufts professor who grew up in the palace of the Ashanti King and plays percussion for the royal court.
Mon, February 26
As Black History Month comes to a close, we celebrate Black alumni from the earliest years of the Conservatory. Members of the Black Student Union worked with NEC archivists Maryalice Perrin-Mohr and Cody Forrest to research Black history and artistry from the early years of NEC.
