Dr. Wickstrom provided an update on APOYO’s future. They want to continue serving CWU students and connect Hispanic students to the Hispanic community here in Ellensburg. APOYO provides a sense of community for many CWU students, and they want that to continue. They are hoping to build a Community Outreach Center. They are currently looking at some possibilities for building, and they have some possible partners for the project. Faculty Research Presentation Dr. T André Feagin, Associate Professor in the Department of Music and Director of CWU Bands, presented to the Board on the 20 th World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles International Conference, Gwangju, South Korea, July 2024. Dr. Feagin gave a brief history of bands at Central Washington University. CWU had a pep band in 1926, a marching band in 1938, and a chamber band in 1950. Bands at CWU have been robust and nationally and internationally known for many years. CWU has an outstanding legacy of music. In 2024, bands are the largest area in the Department of Music, which includes wind ensemble, symphonic band, concert band, the wildcat marching band, and the pep band. The World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) is a prestigious international conference for wind bands, composers, conductors, publishers, and lovers of wind band music. It is a rigorous selection process that includes an international jury. If you think of this conference academically, this is the highest achievement in band performance. Nine ensembles were selected from around the world and CWU Wind Ensemble was one of the nine. The invitation to the WASBE conference was a testament to the outstanding caliber of CWU’s music program and the dedication of its students and faculty. The students explained to the group that it was an honor to represent CWU and the U.S. at the conference. They prepared and rehearsed all year and added that rehearsal is the area of discovery, which is their favorite place to be. The collaboration and connections they made with one another during this time was life changing. The students added that they had so many special moments during the conference. The interaction with ensembles from other countries was amazing, and they had the opportunity to attend cultural exchange events. They were also able to visit the Korean War Memorial and listen to the United States Navy Band perform. They visited the Palace in Seoul, Korea and enjoyed the changing of the guard performances. Educationally, the opportunity to attend this conference was significant for their growth as musicians. They developed key skills including professionalism, cross-cultural communication, and adaptability. They were part of something great. Preparing for their performance was an opportunity to challenge themselves. Their collective sound grew together and matured. Dr. Feagin added that this conference raised the profile of CWU through media coverage and outreach. CWU’s reputation as a leader in music education and performance continues. Looking ahead, this opportunity opens the door for future invitations and collaborations. Dr. Feagin plans to continue raising the bar for CWU bands including future festivals, tours, and residencies. The power of teamwork and hard work is very impactful. It reaches across the globe.
7 Board of Trustees Minutes October 17-18, 2024
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