In today's ever-changing world there is an increasing need for relevancy and innovation in classical music ensemble concerts. This session will discuss how an orchestra performance can approach and build communities in relevant and innovative ways. This session also explores various manners to modernize the traditional symphony orchestra concert and elevate the concert-goer's experience. Questions addressed include the purposes and intentions of orchestral performances and how music educators can help shape concerts to be more accessible to a wider audience. Presenters will share insights and strategies to tackle the challenges of shifting the orchestral concert paradigm. Topics discussed are gathered from the presenters' first-hand experiences and will highlight what has worked well, challenges faced, and lessons learned. Subjects include reimagining the role of the ensemble, reshaping the concert experience, building bridges, promoting diversity and inclusion, and creating innovative interdisciplinary performances. Examples of case studies involve collaborations with Indigenous music makers and technology as an integral part of community engagement. Additionally, presenters will discuss strategies for creating time and space for the advancement of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) in orchestral concerts. This session strives to inspire attendees to find the opportunities through the obstacles and aims to empower future generations to foster community interaction, create interdisciplinary connections, and become change-makers.

Authors:
Kira Omelchenko, Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada
Colleen Ferguson, Texas A & M University, Kingsville, United States
Hyeyoun Jang, Ewha Womans University, South Korea

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Kira Omelchenko is an Associate Dean, Associate Professor of Music, and the Conductor of the Symphony Orchestra at Wilfrid Laurier University (Ontario, Canada). She has conducted in Portugal, Bulgaria, Russia, Italy, Spain, Canada, and the US.
Dr. Colleen Ferguson is Assistant Professor of Strings & Orchestra Texas A&M University Kingsville School of Music, the leader of the Herbert St. Trio, & Artistic Director and Conductor of the Kingsville Symphony Orchestra.

Additional website of interest
https://kiraconductor.com

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