There is recognition of shortcomings and the need to build on the progress reflected in the growing number of female students, new hiring of talented women, and a packed house at last year's Women Musicians Network concert. Female chairs, trustees, faculty, staff, and students are meeting for support and discussion. Strong female role models will benefit all students. Progress in one area leads to progress in the other two. Important questions are being asked.
Plans are underway for a broad-based equity study of salaries, benefits, and opportunities.
As part of the assessment of core curriculum, we will consider ways to correct the neglect or marginalization of women's contributions. We look forward to the day when the work of Mary Lou Williams, Nadia Boulanger, Ella Fitzgerald, Maria Schneider, Carla Bley, Marian McPartland, Joan Tower, Laura Nyro, Joni Mitchell, Terri Lyne Carrington, and other women will appear in course descriptions and be played regularly in classrooms. There are many areas of the college that seek attention and growth. Whenever one group becomes a focus, the challenge is to not overlook the needs of another. When analyzing a piece of music, we discuss one element at a time while keeping the entire piece in mind.