Have you ever wondered why there is a lack of representation of women conductors of color in leadership roles within the choral community? Have you ever observed any patterns or trends that contribute to invisibility of women conductors of color in different choral organizations or institutions? Join us for an empowering session dedicated to amplifying the voices and experiences of women conductors, especially of color. Despite the wide range of talent, education, experience and dedication, women conductors, particularly women of color, continue to face systemic barriers and biases that have hindered their advancement in the field. Those barriers include a wide range of topics that include but are not limited to, limited access to opportunities and education, work-life balance, and societal expectations. It’s important for the choral conducting community to address these systemic barriers at all levels, in education and professional settings, in order to move the profession forward. In this session, attendees will join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of women conductors of color. Drawing upon academic research, real-world examples, and practical strategies, attendees will learn how to identify, navigate and challenge the systems that attempt to thwart their professional journeys. In a landscape where traditional paths to success often overlook diverse perspectives, this session shines a spotlight on the resilience, creativity, and leadership of women who are forging new paths and breaking barriers in the choral world. These role models not only contribute to the field, but will inspire future generations of conductors and contribute to the expansion of the choral conducting field. Conversations surrounding diversity and inclusion remain essential to the forward progress of any profession. By working together to address these barriers within our profession, conductors and singers can positively impact their artist spaces. If you are a seasoned conductor, an emerging leader, or simply passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion, this session offers something for everyone. Join us as we explore how we can collectively create a more equitable and inclusive field.
Shattering Barriers: Empowering Women of Color in Choral Leadership
Erika Tazawa
Kennesaw State University
Erika Tazawa is the assistant director of choral activities at Kennesaw State
University, where she conducts the Chamber Singers, Chorale, and Men’s
Ensemble. Prior to her appointment at KSU, she served on faculty at
Emory University. Tazawa enjoys a versatile and collaborative musical career,
actively performing as a conductor, pianist, vocal coach, and guest clinician.
She is a core member of the contemporary music ensemble Bent Frequency,
has served on musical staff at The Atlanta Opera and American Institute of
Musical Studies in Graz, Austria.
B.E. Boykin
Georgia Institute of Technology
B.E. (Brittney Elizabeth) Boykin first pursued her interest in music during her time at Spelman College, attending classes that inspired and challenged her musical imagination and peaked her interest in composition. Boykin has been commissioned and collaborated with several organizations, including a number of American Choral Director Association (ACDA) divisions, the Minnesota Opera and the Kennedy Center. She obtained her Ph.D. from Georgia State University with an emphasis in Music Education and is currently an Assistant Professor of Music at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
