Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

You Are Welcome Here.

At UC’s College-Conservatory of Music, we believe that diversity is at the core of who we are and what we strive to achieve. We dare to lead by seeking, discussing, debating and presenting inclusive opportunities. This is our fundamental purpose as a college and university. Our commitment to excellence and diversity is affirmed in our university’s very mission statement.

We work to bring out the best in our students, faculty and staff by valuing their unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives — welcoming and leveraging individual contributions to collaborate, create, innovate and compete in a global society. We address issues of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct and retaliation so members of our community can work, learn, grow and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Ultimately, we aspire toward inclusive excellence by leading with courage and compassion, treating everyone with dignity and respect, and enhancing the quality of life for everyone with whom we connect.

What Diversity, Equity and Inclusion means to us

CCM believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion are inextricably linked to artistic excellence.  

Our broad and inclusive concept of diversity includes commonly recognized considerations such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability status, socioeconomic status, gender identity and expression, sexual identity, sexual orientation, religion, and regional or national origin.

CCM commits to creating and maintaining an equitable environment of belonging. We will recognize, support, and reward the work of all of our community members, especially those who have been historically excluded, through:  

  • Institutional Representation  
  • Resources 
  • Research 
  • Education 
  • Programming  

By fulfilling this mission, CCM will continue to be an innovative model for peer professional and academic organizations. 

Members of CCM's 2022-23 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

Headshot of Amy C. Beegle

Amy C. Beegle

Associate Professor of Music Education (General Music)

513-556-9505

Headshot of Thomas P Gamboa

Thomas P Gamboa

Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of Wind Studies

513-556-5394

Headshot of Joshua Chal

Joshua Chal

Senior Academic Advisor

513-556-9500

Headshot of Anne Cushing-Reid

Anne Cushing-Reid

Assistant Dean and Director of Preparatory and Community Engagement Division; Adjunct Instructor of Arts Administration

513-556-1987

Headshot of Jenny Doctor

Jenny Doctor

Head of the CCM Library, Associate Professor of Musicology

Headshot of Michele A. Kay

Michele A. Kay

Associate Professor of Stage Management

513-556-9440

Headshot of Jessica Brynne Lucas

Jessica Brynne Lucas

Director of Performance Operations

513-556-9429

Headshot of Demarre McGill

Demarre McGill

Associate Professor of Flute

513-556-4476

Headshot of John W. Owens

John W. Owens

Associate Professor of Media Production

513-556-9493

Headshot of Todd Edwin Pettiford

Todd Edwin Pettiford

Assistant Dean of Student Services

513-556-7459

Headshot of Alan B. Rafferty

Alan B. Rafferty

Associate Professor- Educator of Violoncello

847-571-8097

Headshot of Shauna L. Steele

Shauna L. Steele

Chair and Associate Professor of Dance

513-556-9594

CCM Student representatives:

  • Ranease Brown
  • Clark Comstock
  • Tiara Jones
  • Ay Kawasaki

Spring 2023 Updates from CCM’s DEI Committee: Past, Present and Future Initiatives

CCMpower funded the following DEI projects:

  • Training in Designing Hair and Makeup for BIPOC Students
    Lead Applicant: Wig/Makeup Graduate Student Tiara Jones  

  • Resounding Peace Concert 
    Lead Applicant: Voice Graduate Student Jaime Sharpe

  • Short Film: Wax Dolls 
    Lead Applicant: Media Production Student Chloe Otterback

  • Commission for LGBTQ+ Flute Choir
    Lead Applicant: DMA Student Vincenzo Volpe 

  • Folk Elements in Latin American Music Research Database 
    Lead Applicant: DMA Student Hyrum Arensen
  • Giving Skin Color Voice: Microphone Cords that Match Skin Tone
    Lead Applicants: TAPAA Faculty Elizabeth Payne and Emily Porter 

  • Art and Social Justice Guest Speaker for CCM Prep Summer Program 
    Lead Applicant: Education Director/Associate Director of Community Engagement Dan Doerger 

  • Celebration of Women in Music Recital 
    Lead Applicant: Graduate Voice Student Maya McGuire 

  • Indian Classical Music Commission for Saxophone 
    Lead Applicants: DMA Student Aaron Cantu

Programming:

The CCM Harmony Fund is supporting a master class at 1 p.m. on March 4, 2023, at CCM's Watson Recital Hall by Brandee Younger, Grammy nominee jazz harpist. CCM DEI is partnering with SCPA, NKU and the local chapters of the American Harp Society. There will also be a concert at NKU at 7 p.m. on March 2, 2023. 

The CCM Harmony Fund is also supporting the creation of a student Afrobeat ensemble led by Baoku Moses, hosted by CCM's Ethnomusicology program. 


Expanding the Classical Canon: Spotlighting CCM Performances and Events

CCM is committed to expanding the canon of classical music and theatre arts by featuring more diverse works by BIPOC, women and contemporary composers in CCM performances and events. 

CCM presents a variety of free and ticketed events; view our full performance calendar.

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9
• Orchestral Series •
CLARA AND BRAHMS
THE ART OF E MINOR
CCM Concert Orchestra
Aik Khai Pung, music director and conductor 
FARRENC: Overture No. 1 in E minor, op. 23
WALKER: Address for Orchestra
CLARA WIECK-SCHUMANN: Quatre pieces caractéristiques, Op. 5 (arr. Hsin-Lei Chen) *world premiere
BRAHMS: Symphony No. 4 in E minor 
Location: Corbett Auditorium 
Admission: FREE


A promotional image for CCM's Frankenstein

Artwork by CCM student Hunter Trammell

*ASL interpreting available during Friday, Feb. 10 performance 

8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9 
8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 
2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 
2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12 
• Play Series • 
FRANKENSTEIN 
By Nick Dear 
From the novel by Mary Shelley 
Susan Felder, director 
An electrifying tale of a creature cast away by his creator into a hostile world — only to wind his way back in a dangerous game of destruction — that has captivated audiences for over 200 years. This gothic story comes to life with Nick Dear’s adaptation of the chilling fable by Mary Shelley, animating the themes of social rejection, intellectual hubris and the clash of good and evil. Content advisory: This production contains adult content, including scenes depicting physical and sexual violence.  

Estimated run time: 1 hour and 50 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.  
Location: Patricia Corbett Theater  
Tickets: $32.50; student and group discounts available.

*Traffic and parking on campus may be heavier than normal due to a UC Men’s Basketball game at 7 p.m. on February 11 at UC’s Fifth Third Arena.


1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17 
• The Joseph and Frances Jones Poetker Thinking About Music Lecture Series • 
EXPANSION, CONTRACTION, AND TRANSFORMATION: THE CREATION OF SACRED SPACE THROUGH MUSIC FOR COMMUNAL HEALING AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 
Lisa Osunleti Beckley-Roberts, Associate Professor of Musicology from Jackson State University 
Through the study and exploration of African and diasporic music and movement practices, the author shares experiences with facilitating communal healing in the planning, preparation, and performance of a work in honor of Trayvon Martin. This paper explores the ways that the terms expansion and contraction, borrowed from Ifa cosmology of the Yoruba ethnic group, may be applied to the practice of reimagining African and African diaspora music and dance, in order to respond to and navigate the emotional turmoil of social injustice. Furthermore, additional instances of the use of music and the reimagining of musical ideas have been used to aid in communal healing. 
Location: Baur Room 
Admission: FREE


A promotional image for CCM's Ariel Quartet

8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 
• Guest Artist Series • 
THE GABRIEL ALEGRÍA AFRO-PERUVIAN SEXTET KONECTADOS TOUR 2023 
The Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet presents Afro-Peruvian Jazz Music. To attend one of Gabriel's shows is to lose oneself in a culturally rich and immersive concert experience. Afro-Peruvian Jazz Music is characterized by infectious rhythms played on instruments such as the Cajón, Cajita and Quijada (literally the jawbone of a donkey)! This experience will authentically transport you to the coast of Peru and its magic. Renowned jazz critic Doug Ramsey said it best: "The Afro-Peruvian Sextet is writing a new chapter in the history of Latin Jazz.”

The concert’s program is scheduled to include:

GABRIEL ALEGRÍA: Carrusel de Luces
LAURA ANDREA LEGUIA: El Primer Final
LAURA ANDREA LEGUIA: Capicua
LAURANDREA LEGUIA: Eva
DANIEL ALOMIA ROBLES/DAVE BRUBECK: El Condor Pasa/Take Five
LAURA ANDREA LEGUIA: La Puertecita
GABRIEL ALEGRÍA: Mirando El Shingo
LAURA ANDREA LEGUIA: Amaranta

Location: Corbett Auditorium 
Tickets: $30; student and group discounts available.

The Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet is hosted by CCM's Division of Music Education, and presented in partnership with La Mega Media, with additional support from the Paul Lammermeier Foundation.


A promotional image for CCM's Cinderella

*ASL interpreting available during Friday, March 3 performance 

8 p.m. Thursday, March 2 
8 p.m. Friday, March 3 
2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, March 4 
2 p.m. Sunday, March 5 
• Musical Theatre Series • 
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s 
CINDERELLA 
Music by Richard Rodgers 
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II 
New Book by Douglas Carter Beane 
Original Book by Oscar Hammerstein II 
Orchestrations by Danny Troob 
Music Adaptation & Arrangements by David Chase 
Eric Byrd, director 
Brandon Kelly, choreographer 
Ian Axness, musical director 
One of the world’s most beloved fairy tales comes to life on stage in a romantic story for all ages. Stuck as a servant to her evil stepmother and stepsisters, a poor girl wishes for her dream to come true. Her fairy godmother gives Cinderella a magical makeover just in time for the royal ball, where she meets Prince Charming and they fall in love.  

March 4 matinee performance: Bring your fairy tale costume and dress like a story book character for the show! Featuring photo ops and a chance to meet Cinderella cast members. 

Estimated runtime: 2 hours and 15 minutes, including an intermission. 
Location: Patricia Corbett Theater 
Tickets: $39.50; student and group discounts available; $15 special rate for children (12 and under).

*Traffic and parking on campus may be heavier than normal due to a UC Men’s Basketball game at 2 p.m. on March 5 at UC’s Fifth Third Arena.


Ashlin Parker

7:30 p.m. Friday, March 3 
MARDI GRAS NEW ORLEANS JAZZ CONCERT
CCM Jazz Orchestra
Featuring internationally acclaimed guest artist Ashlin Parker, trumpet
Scott Belck, music director 
A companion to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center’s Black History Month programming, the New Orleans Mardi Gras concert is a celebration of music and culture. The Friday night performance promises an evening with all the revelry and flair of Mardi Gras, followed by a reception and meet-and-greet with New Orleans-based jazz trumpeter, Ashlin Parker.  
Location: Harriet Tubman Theater, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 
Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 for Freedom Center members


1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 25 
• CCM DEI Committee Event • 
BRIDGING THE GAP  
A Look into African American Hair and Make-Up in Theatre 
Featuring guest speaker Jerrilyn Lanier Duckworth 
Bridging the Gap seeks to educate designers and creatives working in the industry on the struggles Black Indigenous Performers of Color (BIPOC) face in the industry. We focus on hair and make-up terminology, techniques, products and research just to name a few areas. Having a strong foundation in the basics will aid you greatly in bridging the hair, make-up and research gap. Guest speaker, Jerrilyn Lanier Duckworth is the Founder and Creator of Bridging the Gap: A Look into African American Hair & Make-up for Theatre. She is a freelance Costume, Hair & Make-up Designer and Vice-Chair of Hair and Make-up for the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). This project is funded by CCMpower as part of CCM's DEI Committee initiatives. It is planned and organized by CCM Wig & Make-Up student Tiara Jones.
Location: Main Lounge, UC's African American Cultural and Resource Center
Admission: FREE


A promotional image for CCM's Fellow Travelers

8 p.m. Thursday, March 30 
8 p.m. Friday, March 31 
8 p.m. Saturday, April 1 
2 p.m. Sunday, April 2 
• Opera Series • 
FELLOW TRAVELERS 
An Opera by Gregory Spears 
Libretto by Greg Pierce 
Based on the 2007 novel “Fellow Travelers” by Thomas Mallon 
William R. Langley, conductor 
Daria Zholnerova, co-director 
Greg Eldridge, co-director  
Based on the 2007 novel by Thomas Mallon, Fellow Travelers was originally workshopped at CCM in 2013 as part of the college’s Opera Fusion: New Works (OF:NW) partnership with Cincinnati Opera. Cincinnati Opera presented the world premiere of Fellow Travelers in 2016 with a production that was conducted by CCM faculty member Mark Gibson and featured several alumni in the cast. A decade after its OF:NW workshop, Fellow Travelers finally makes its debut on the CCM stage! Fellow Travelers takes place in 1950s Washington, D.C. Timothy Laughlin is a recent Fordham graduate and devout Catholic who is eager to join the crusade against Communism. A chance encounter with a handsome, profligate State Department official, Hawkins Fuller, leads to Tim’s first job in D.C. and — after Fuller’s advances — his first love affair. As McCarthy mounts his desperate bid for power and internal investigations focus on “sexual subversives” during the “Lavender Scare,” Tim and Hawk find it dangerous to navigate their double lives. Drawn into a maelstrom of deceit and intrigue, Tim struggles to reconcile his political convictions, his love for God and his love for Fuller — an entanglement that will end in a stunning act of betrayal. Content advisory: This production features adult themes and situations and is intended for mature audiences.
Estimated run time: 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission 
Location: Patricia Corbett Theater 
Tickets: $39.50; student and group discounts available.


7 p.m. Friday, March 31
• CCM DEI Committee Event • 
PRIDE ARTS SHOWCASE 
A cross-disciplinary event celebrating LGBTQIA+ artists and amplifying transgender and non-binary voices 
On Transgender Day of Visibility, join the LGBTQIA+ community of Cincinnati and allies for the Pride Arts Showcase! This cross-disciplinary and celebratory event will begin with a performance featuring singers, instrumentalists, composers, poets, dancers, drag queens and burlesque entertainers. Several students from CCM’s Flute Studio and alumni will present the Cincinnati premiere of a new flute choir piece by Kei Slaughter, which was commissioned by student Vincenzo Volpe with a CCMpower grant as part of CCM’s DEI Committee InitiativesA reception will follow the performance, featuring the work of several visual artists and catering by Jeff Thomas. The event is organized by Lives United/Vidas Unidas. The event is supported by Cincinnati Pride and the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the annual ArtsWave annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding. Learn more about the event.
Location: Church of Our Saviour, 65 E. Hollister St. Cincinnati, OH, 45219
Admission: FREE, but ticket reservations required.



Centers and Resources

UC offers a range of services related to equity, inclusion and support for students, faculty and staff. Browse this list to discover the range of resources available to you, from academic centers to accessibility services to crisis counseling to veterans affairs.

African American Cultural & Resource Center (AACRC)
The AACRC’s primary focus is to address the academic, social, spiritual, and cultural needs of the Black student population. The AACRC supports the mission of the university by recruiting and retaining students at UC. 

Bearcats Pantry
The UC Bearcats Pantry and Resource Center provides free food, hygiene items, cleaning supplies and professional clothing to students of all backgrounds with food and other insecurities.

CCM Black Student Association
The CCM Black Student Association (BSA) strives to support, empower, engage and connect (SEEC) the black students of CCM. The association's goal is to build strong positive relationships within our college, across our campus and throughout our community.

Dean of Students
The Dean of Students Office serves students and their families as they navigate the collegiate experience through support services and resources committed to students’ advocacy, safety and well-being.

Ethnic Programs & Services
The Office of Ethnic Programs and Services provides quality programs and services that encourage academic excellence, positive social interaction, cultural enrichment, student leadership development and community service.

International Student Services
The International Student Services office exists to support UC’s global students, scholars and staff. We advocate for you and work every day to meet your needs, from immigration advising to social interaction. We want to make sure that this message is clear from the moment you step foot on campus: You are welcome here.

Ombuds Office (Conflict Management)
The Office of the University Ombuds is a safe place for all members of the UC community to talk about university related conflicts, issues or concerns.

Student Organizations
One of the best ways to get involved at UC is by joining a student organization. The University of Cincinnati is home to over 500 student organizations that support a variety of interests. These interests range from political/activist, cultural, academic, social and many more!

UC Counseling and Psychological Resources (CAPS)
Students and members of the UC community concerned about students have access to mental health crisis care and consultation 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

UC Crisis Emergent Services/Suicide Prevention
We offer 24/7 phone crisis access to students wo are in need of immediate support through telephone consultations or after hours crisis support.

UC Equity, Inclusion and Community Impact 
A comprehensive resource that shares university-wide initiatives focused on Equal Opportunity and Access, Gender Equity and Inclusion (Title IX), Community Impact, Title IX Sexual Harassment procedures, Workshops and Events.

UC LGBTQ Center
The LGBTQ Center supports the mission of UC through a commitment to diversity, equity, leadership development, and intellectual inquiry with particular respect to sexual orientation and gender identity.

UC Student Wellness Center
The Student Wellness Center empowers students to make informed decisions regarding their health and wellness by providing evidence-based education, inclusive resources, and non-judgmental support.

UC Veterans Programs and Services
If you are a current member of the United States Military, a veteran, or an eligible dependent of a veteran, you can expect to receive quality and expedient services from our dedicated staff.

UC Women’s Center
The UC Women's Center is committed to the personal and professional growth of women and gender non-conforming students by facilitating action toward intersectional gender equity, promoting social justice, and fostering connections for all students. 


Upcoming Trainings, Workshops and News

UC holds the 14th Annual Equity & Inclusion Conference on Tuesday, April 4.

Details will be shared on UC's Equity, Inclusion and Community Impact website when available. Learn more.

Faculty and staff members are encouraged to take advantage of multiple workshops offered by the Office of Equity and Inclusion through Faculty OneStop. There are also Community Education and Workshops offered by UC's office of Equity, Inclusion and Community Impact.

Students can find a variety of workshops and virtual events on CampusLink.

1

Brothers with giving hearts support first-generation students

March 20, 2023

Recognizing a need for first-generation college students in the Greater Cincinnati region, brothers Mike and Jim Rodarte were inspired to act. They co-founded Level Up Cincinnati, a nonprofit that bridges the gaps between high school, college and career with mentorship and coaching for marginalized students.

3

The New York Times: Third Black-owned company emerges as suitor...

March 14, 2023

An overall decline in television viewership can be attributed to new technologies such as streaming services, but Black Entertainment Television has been feeling the decline more pointedly after legislation from the 1990s, UC's Jeffrey Blevins, a professor of journalism, tells The New York Times.

Load More
Debug Query for this