From Appropriation to Reconciliation: How we Heal; Where to Turn
Session Abstract: Appropriation in choral music fuels disrespect and encourages erasure. In this session, composers/culture-bearers Sydney Guillaume and Coreen Duffy will illustrate how we heal from historic harm: 1) understand how it manifested; 2) realize the damage; 3) program repertoire that respects originating cultures; 4) repair errors or discontinue performance of offending examples; 5) collaborate with culture bearers/scholars. Presenters will bust myths about Jewish music and Haitian Vodou before delving into the richness these musics offer. Mini-reading session will offer ethically-sourced repertoire and presenters will discuss access to culture bearers, quality repertoire, and how to program respectfully while combatting and addressing appropriation.
Sydney Guillaume
Composer & Conductor
Originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sydney Guillaume is currently residing in Portland, Oregon working as a full-time composer, conductor and clinician. In 2017, he was honored by the top music school in Haiti for his “great contribution in the expansion and the promotion of the music and culture of Haiti around the world.” His recent activities as conductor include the 2022 Georgia All-State Senior Treble, the 2019 Florida All-State Middle School Treble Chorus, the 2018 Maine All-State High School Mixed Chorus, and concerts with the Imbroglio Sextet at Carnegie Hall and at the 2018 ISME World Conference in Azerbaijan.
Coreen Duffy
University of Montana
Coreen Duffy is director of choral activities at the University of Montana School of Music, and Artistic Director for the Missoula Community Chorus. UM Chamber Chorale performance invitations under Duffy’s direction include: NWACDA Conference (2022); Marktoberdorf International Choir Competition (2022); 75th Festival of Music, University of Saarbrücken, Germany (2022); Cadogan Hall, U.K. (2022); and Montana International Choral Festival (2019). Duffy is an active clinician and composer, with works published by Walton Music, ECS, and Pavane. Duffy has presented at national ACDA conferences and the International Conference of the European Center for Jewish Music in Germany. Duffy is President-Elect of NWACDA.
