Rejoicing Return to the Musical Realm: UCLA's Herb Alpert School of Music Resumes Operations
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music celebrated the start of the 2022-23 academic year with a lively welcome event held at Schoenberg Hall on September 21st. This marked the first in-person gathering for the majority of the community since the pandemic began, bringing together students, faculty, and staff in the school's main courtyard for a casual lunch.
Pizza was served, and the occasion provided an ideal opportunity for students to mingle, make new connections, and get to know their peers during the department's breakout sessions. The School of Music's student population, which exceeds 630, continues to grow, offering increased opportunities, resources, diversity, ingenuity, and equity.
The event was a testament to the school's richness and the boundless prospects for the new academic year. Highlights included an open house for students to explore the school's vast world music instrument collection, ensembles, music library, rehearsal rooms, and more.
Two new student affairs officers, Khalia Byrd and Lucie Leerer, were introduced at the event, joining the Global Studies Interdisciplinary Program faculty and staff who were present to introduce themselves and offer support. Steve Loza, chair of the Global Studies Interdisciplinary Program, welcomed students within the program and those curious about it, while Robert Fink, professor of musicology and chair of the school's music industry programs, welcomed students during the Department of Musicology's breakout session.
Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Arturo O'Farrill delivered remarks about the school's commitment to creating a supportive environment for students. The auditorium was filled with students ranging from first-years to doctoral candidates, all eager to embark on the new academic journey.
Student council and advisory board presidents, Austin Ali, Shahwar Kibria Maqhfi, Yeremiya Wright, and Lorenna Garcia, demonstrated the importance of student voices and contributions to school leadership. Everyone was treated to a mid-afternoon cookie social with Dean Strempel within the school’s Sanctuary Space.
The event concluded with a spirit of excitement and anticipation for the year ahead, as the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music prepares to continue its tradition of nurturing musical talent and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community.
During the event, Robert Fink, professor of musicology, emphasized the importance of online education and learning as a means of fostering ingenuity and equity within the school's student population. Khalia Byrd and Lucie Leerer, the new student affairs officers, highlighted their commitment to promoting education-and-self-development opportunities and resources for students both online and offline.
