Message from Dean Teresa L. Reed (Spring 21 semester)

One year later. I never imagined when we ceased operations in our Music building in March 2020 that one year later, we’d still be addressing the many challenges of COVID-19. Our students, faculty, and staff have all shown tremendous agility and dedication in the face of these challenges.  Their creativity and commitment inspire me daily.

Our number-one priority is to ensure that our music students have the best educational experience possible.   Because of the pandemic, this looks differently than in years past; yet, our students remain at the center of our focus.  By adjusting our normal activities to the realities of the current crisis, we have been able to provide music to our campus, to our local community, and to listeners both nationally and internationally.  Our faculty offered exciting online camps and workshops in string bass and guitar, reaching audiences and participants throughout the country and around the world.  Our Cardinal Marching Band reconfigured its normal routine and gave several performances in the Fall semester for Louisville's heroic health care workers.  Our Music Therapy program literally took to the streets, utilizing its van to deliver services to patrons around our community. Our choirs and vocal faculty gave stirring open-air performances to audiences on Belknap and Shelby campuses.  Many performances of our faculty and student groups moved online for enjoyment by audiences on social media and Youtube.  Student composers presented an outdoor concert of intriguing electronic works. And dozens of student performers, including vocalists, jazz combos, guitarists, brass quintets, and various other chamber groups, provided music in Belknap's common areas as a part of the inaugural Beth Boehm Concert Series. As we move forward, we will continue to utilize technology and other innovative approaches to provide the creative and educational outlets and engagement that our students and faculty need.  In this way, we can continue to deliver music that will lift and inspire our campus, our city, and our world.

We are sensitive to the impact of COVID upon many families of the students in our Cardinal Family.  To address these special needs, we started an emergency fund specifically for our students in the School of Music. Our goal is to ensure that no student suffers academic disruption as a result of the crisis, and that all, instead, have the financial safety necessary for them to focus on their studies. To make a true impact on our students’ lives you can donate at give.louisville.edu/music and type in Student Emergency Fund in the “other” box.  Your gift will make a difference.

Your support and interest in the University of Louisville School of Music continue to drive our success. For all that you do, we are deeply grateful. I look forward to the day when we can engage with our audiences and friends in person again.  In the meantime, please accept my "socially distanced" hugs and best wishes for continued health, safety, and peace for you and all those you love.

Warmly,

Dean Teresa L. Reed