From the Director

Michael Kim with Goldy Gopher

Dear School of Music Community and Friends,

I am proud to share a collection of incredible stories from 2020 about students, faculty, staff, and alumni who have inspired and led the School of Music through this remarkable time in history. 

Since publishing my letter to the School of Music community following the murder of Mr. George Floyd, I have been engaged in conversations and zoom meetings, and exchanged emails and letters with members from all SoM constituencies—alumni, faculty, students, staff, and community members—who are calling for a more just, equitable, and diverse School of Music. And though the conversations are difficult, the path forward is clear:

As the flagship music institution in the very city that sparked the worldwide call for justice for Black lives and BIPOC lives more broadly, the University of Minnesota School of Music must be a national leader as we continue our journey towards a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse School of Music.

As we continue these discussions within and outside the School of Music community, it is important for us to think thoughtfully and systemically about the journey ahead of us, and not merely respond superficially or in a tokenized manner.  I am very grateful to so many of you for your continued support, advice, and patience as we continue to have these challenging discussions and consultations.

We will begin documenting this journey on a public webpage that I will share with you in the next volume of Tutti, which has long been our platform to connect with our School of Music community—so please look for another volume from me in the new year! 

Please join us for our year of virtual guest lectures, master classes, and concerts. We are proud to be hosting a number of BIPOC guest scholars and performers in the coming months, including rising Metropolitan Opera star singer Angel Blue, and theorist Professor Philip Ewell.

Lastly, I ask you to give to our mission as you are able. Your financial support means more to our students and faculty than ever before.

With my warmest appreciation,

Michael Kim
Director & Professor

Tutti. (Italian) all. every musician to take part.
Tutti is the annual publication of the University of Minnesota School of Music.

Read the Fall 2020 | Volume 21 of Tutti.

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