| Jazz Band at Mac was a really great opportunity for me to continue my involvement in the arts and music, especially considering that a large portion of my university coursework is science-focused. I also have very limited elective space in my program so the opportunity to participate as a non-credit member was valuable. I enjoyed the supportive and collaborative environment at the band that valued improvement and success for everyone involved. I am grateful to play among so many great students under the direction of Prof. Mike Malone. McMaster Jazz Band participation: for credit (2019-20), non-credit (2020-21) |
| The McMaster Jazz band played an important role in shaping my career as a musician and interdisciplinary student. I would hate to see the Band’s funding be cut as I see it as an integral part of McMaster’s music cirriculum and the McMaster music community. |
| I was with the McMaster Jazz Band from 2011-2019, in which I saw various instructors lead the group. The ensemble, especially under the direction of Mike Malone, was the jazz learning resource for McMaster, and the only institutional learning big band in Hamilton (Mohawk does not have as many horn players as McMaster, i.e. big bands aren’t possible). This is an extremely valuable resource for the music program; many musicians going through McMaster’s Music program might not have opportunity to understand, practice, and explore improvised music, something that is absolutely necessary for the modern contemporary musician. Many students entering the program, especially those who are coming from smaller high school music programs, will not be exposed to the contemporary music framework that a jazz band provides. In cutting this resource, McMaster Music is limiting their output in creating and educating flexible and well rounded musicians: this is regressive and disheartening for the future of the arts at McMaster as a whole. |
| Music is meant to be enjoyed together |
| McMaster has a wonderful music program that inspires creative thinking in all regards, but there is a limit to how much Jazz education is offered, with only a handful of courses relating to the topic and one ensemble. Cuts to this aspect of the program would be denying recognition of a truly unique form of art that makes demands of the artist seldom seen in other genres of music. |
| It is extremely disappointing to hear of McMaster’s decision to only offer these ensembles every other year. The ensembles contribute greatly to the music community in Hamilton and provide crucial developmental opportunities for aspiring musicians. Having a vibrant and diverse arts community in Hamilton is important, and by decreasing the opportunities that musicians can grow, especially at the university-level, the growth of the arts community will be stunted. As someone who is not in the faculty, nor is a professional musician, the jazz ensemble provided me with a creative outlet from my normal day-to-day work, and overall has helped me develop into a more rounded engineer. Participating in the ensemble has been nothing but positive and had improved my mental well-being during graduate studies by allowing me to focus on something other than work.I sincerely hope that McMaster will reverse their decision, and allow the ensembles to be formed every year, and not only every other year. |
| Both of these groups are essential to music education and the program would be at a huge loss without them. From the practical musicianship knowledge that is gained there, to the real world experiences gained in both of these groups, these are absolutely necessary and should be give the option to run every year. I don’t imagine that this discussion would ever be had about the concert band and it is really disappointing to see McMaster drop highly specified course study experience without good cause or support from the students the program is meant to serve. |
| Joining the McMaster Jazz Band opened up an entirely new world of music to me. My music experience up until that point was strictly classical solo piano, and so the opportunity to play and perform in a jazz ensemble was a new and powerful learning experience. I credit the McMaster Jazz Band with helping me strongly develop my musicianship and diversifying my musical experiences. The jazz band has given me a strong foundation in ensemble playing, and has encouraged me to pursue further musical opportunities, such as the Ottawa Pops Orchestra. I am not sure if I would’ve joined this orchestra had it not been for my wonderful experience with the McMaster Jazz Band and my discovery of a passion for performing music with others. For myself as a student enrolled in a B.Sc at the time, the McMaster Jazz Band was an opportunity to meet people outside of my science program and to explore an area of my life not dedicated to studies in the sciences, and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to do so. It is my strong opinion that cutting out the McMaster Jazz Band will have a negative impact on the McMaster community as a whole. |
| Throughout my four years at McMaster, participating in ensembles was one of the most essential pieces of my success. Not only did participation enable me to become a better player, it allowed me to develop better musicianship, community and support mental health. It also allowed me to grow and develop skills that allowed me a career in Music Education, teaching the future students of Ontario. The partial or full cutting of support to these ensembles would not only be a extreme disservice to current students, but would without a doubt have a spiralling affect on the well being of Ontario students as a whole. Music arts education is a fundamental part of learning, and any attempt to cut or tamper with the right of people to express themselves and learn would set a horrifying precedent. |
| Both the Jazz And Flute ensemble provide all students for playing opportunities on campus. These ensembles provide a safe space for students to do what they love with fellow students throughout the week and create a community within this institution. Cutting these bees emblems will eliminate this opportunity for these students to create and explore their abilities. Ensembles provide much more than playing music , but life lessons we’ve held onto. |
| These ensembles are the only of their kind in Hamilton. As a city that prides itself on our Arts and Culture, removing such unique opportunities from local artists is against the image our city has been creating for itself. Please continue to uphold what makes Hamilton so great! |
| I think it’s important to provide musicians opportunities to gather, practice, and perform, and that these opportunities are vital for allowing students (both performers and audience) to have an enjoyable experience at McMaster. |
| Hope this pans out, it would be an awful shame for Mac to cut these programs! |
| Both ensembles are integral parts of the SOTA ensembles. Without them there wouldn’t be any other options for some music students to fulfill their credit requirement. On top of this, there would be less opportunity for McMaster and SOTA to showcase the range of talents from their students thus losing patrons. |
| Music brings people together and I don’t understand why it’s the first thing to go anytime people want to cut something. It’s a great educational opportunity and it’s a healing opportunity. We literally learn that music does more than just sound good, that’s why music therapy is a thing. I might not have ever been a part of these ensembles in specific, but i know you learn so much about yourself in them and you learn how to master your talent and share it with others. Cutting ensembles cuts out core group and individual development opportunities for musicians, but the school should already know that. |
| These as well as the other ensembles at McMaster provide amazing communities for musicians of all kinds to come together to create music. Many are able to benefit from these ensembles as their music is shared with the community. Having this significant cut to the ensembles will greatly harm this community and take away quality time needed in order to build and continue relationships within ensembles. As well, this cut will not allow for the proper time needed to continuously improve within the ensemble. |
| McMaster is world-renowned for music cognition research—it is home to the McMaster Institute of Music and the Mind (MIMM) and the LIVELab, a world-class facility for performance research. It is an embarrassment if McMaster will not fund it’s own music program, especially given that music is a defining part of McMaster’s community and reputation. As a result of these cuts, the music program will lose credibility—young, bright, talented students will not even consider our music program over those at schools that provide quality ensemble experience, like U of T or McGill. The MIMM demands a strong music program—the research we do would not be possible without the collaboration of musicians. If the quality of the music program goes down, so does the quality of MIMM. Please do not make these cuts and keep our program strong. |
| The McMaster Flute Ensemble allowed me to achieve a music minor while I pursued my major in engineering. The Flute Ensemble was unlike any other music ensemble I have ever been part of, and it helped me grow as a musician in ways I wouldn’t have been able to without it. I had originally auditioned for Concert Band, but spaces are extremely limited, especially for flute players. I never would have had a chance to participate in any ensembles if it wasn’t for Flute Ensemble and the support of David Gerry. Dr Gerry worked so hard to support us in flute ensemble and was so passionate about the ensemble, it would be such a shame for his group to be cut now that he’s no longer able to advocate for it. |
| Going into an engineering program, i feel as through joining the jazz band would be the perfect medium to balance school and extra curricular. As a former member of the Hamilton All Star Jazz Band, jazz music is such an important part of my expression as a person!! |
| I wouldn’t be who I am today without the David Gerry flute ensemble. This ensemble was crucial to my well being, mind, body, and soul. This ensemble helped me grow as a person, as a teacher, and as a musician. Please do not take away this opportunity from those who are currently enrolled at McMaster, and to all future students. |
| Musicians have an opportunity to gather new skills and find creative expression through McMaster ensembles. Expressing oneself through music (or any form of artistic medium) is absolutely critical for one’s identity. Cutting access to arts is preventing an individual the avenue to express themselves. |
| The flute ensemble provided a great deal of community to me, as well as a great way to improve my technique in a way that catered to my specific instrument. It was different then any other ensemble I had ever been in. McMaster, please consider annually running this program! |
| I had Professor David Gerry instruct a few of my courses before he passed and it was evident that his love for music and the students would live on for years to come. He put his heart and soul into his teaching and was very passionate for the flute. I would be devastated to hear that his legacy of the flute ensemble would not be available to students every year. The same goes for the Jazz Band of which I was not a part of as I studied jazz vocals however, it is an outlet for many students both in a music program or studying alternative subjects. |
| Music is a vital and positive experience and is required for a thriving city such as Hamilton. |
| Cuts to McMaster ensembles is disgusting in my honest opinion. I am saddened to hear this as alumni as I participated in these ensembles as an undergrad student. Why build a new beautiful state of the art concert hall, yet cut ensembles from having a chance to perform within these facilities? Very sad to hear this and I hope whoever made this decision will reconsider. |
| Please don’t cut the funding from these arts, art is an important part to education and can be enjoyed by all |
| Ensembles are a vital part of any arts program, and help build community as well as performance and collaboration skills in their musicians. It gives many students an opportunity they wouldn’t have otherwise. In my opinion, cutting funding for student ensembles is the first sign of an arts program declining in quality and in student experience - if the SOTA values creating a rich learning environment for their musicians, running and maintaining ensembles in addition to concert bands should be a priority. |
| I feel this part of a slippery slope in the diminishing presence of the arts in education. Participation in such ensembles not only adds depth to the music program but also gives balance to participants enrolled in other disciplines. |
| In one of my final years in the Music program at Mac we were facing a lot of cuts. At the time it was course availability. We fought really hard along side our professors for our program. We were constantly belittled, ignored, and turned away by the SOTA Director and Humanities Faculty office at the time. I’m saddened but not shocked that this is still occurring. Our program is small but it is full of vibrant, ambitious, and passionate people with a team of professors who are experts in their fields and incredible educators. Mac Music students and faculty deserve better. |
| Both ensembles are a great part of the music program. These bad decisions are making our program decline. |
| I wish this wasn’t the case in most institutions but sadly do it anyway. I hope McMaster is different. |
| Please don’t |
| I was not a member of either of these ensembles, but I was in ensembles every year of my time at McMaster, which as was stated in the petition, is requirement of the program. It is so important as a musician to have ensembles, and it is extremely limiting to such a wide array of students remove these ensembles. The willingness to cut these ensembles to biennial courses strikes me as the work of people who do not know how deep of an impact these decisions will make, or people who simply do not care for the students in the music program. It is my hope that it is the former, and that the support from those of us who know how much this will hurt the students and how much of a decline on the overall quality and reputation of the program this will be. |
| At the beginning of my undergraduate career with 4 years of trombone experience under my belt, I was still a very shy musician who was terrified of soloing, improvisation, and the prospect of performance. Upon joining the McMaster Jazz Band, I had no skill in improvisation and was even scared of playing alongside my bandmates due to imposter syndrome. I initially auditioned for the jazz band because I wanted to further my musical education, continue playing an instrument I loved, and grow with a community of like-minded musicians who could support and inspire me.Joining the McMaster Jazz Band was the best decision I could have made for these goals. Playing under Mike’s encouraging guidance and everlasting patience, I was able to slowly come out of my shell and develop more confidence in my musical skills. In first year, Mike pushed me to take my first steps into the realm of improvisation against my fears of soloing and making “mistakes”. As a musician who loved to stick to reading sheet music, the fluid nature of improvisation was the biggest challenge that I had to navigate since picking up the trombone. Amidst worries of being an imposter in the band and disappointed tears over lacking solos during practice, Mike’s support, extra practice sessions, and the encouragement of the band was instrumental to my first solo improvisation performance in 2018 Winter Concert. The band also no longer became a place of fear, but one of relaxation and support through difficult weeks in my undergraduate career. Ultimately, my experience in jazz band allowed me to recognize the value of failure in the context of experiential learning – an important lesson that would have taken me much longer to realize without its existence. Knowing that my musical education has helped me develop into the person I am today, I am devastated to learn that future music students will not receive the opportunity to derive many of the same benefits that I have from playing in jazz band. These principles of adaptability, resilience, and determination that I have developed do not just apply to playing jazz or improvisation; ultimately, they have become cornerstones of my ambition for improvement as a musician, a scholar, and a lifelong learner. As I applied for and was accepted into medical school this year, I saw these same principles as ones that were key to my success, and as ones that I will continue to hold close to my heart in my journey in healthcare. Playing in jazz band under Mike’s leadership has given me a new dimension to my growth throughout my undergraduate career, and I sincerely hope the McMaster Jazz Band can be reinstated to further support students in their musical, character, and self-growth beyond the classroom. Please reconsider the proposed cuts to the McMaster Jazz Band and the David Gerry Flute Ensemble. |
| It is paramount that McMaster do not continue to cut the already low number of offerings available to students. Jazz band was an exciting and new type of musical experience for me personally, and not being able to try and enroll into it for the upcoming school year is disappointing. Please do not let Jazz Band nor Flute Ensemble go under |
| McMaster continuously cuts back on arts programs in favour of their more monetary granting programs which is entirely unfair to the students who work hard to get there and pay for a top-tier education. |
| Music is an outlet for people and a way to reduce stress and express yourself taking this away would be a huge mistake because it would be taking away part of the person who performs in these ensembles! |
| I am not happy about these cuts because many of my friends are in the McMaster ensemble and since we relate through our interest in music, I wish to support their musical talents and wish to meet more people through our interest on music |
| i don’t have any words. i’m tired and angry of seeing the same story every year, whenever theres budget cuts the arts are always first to go. why are the arts deemed so worthless in the eyes of those who hold so much financial power? |
| I strongly feel my growth as a musician was a result of my time in a McMaster Music ensemble. Being able to collaborate with other musicians, working with a conductor and preparing for performances are skills all music students should learn and ensembles are important for developing such skills. Music ensembles allowed me to meet other students who were in different programs and really aided in creating a sense of community. Additionally, being involved on my ensemble’s council helped me understand the behind the scenes work that goes into running an ensemble and planning performances. What I learnt from being on council has translated over into my professional life and I truly do not think I could have learnt those skills anywhere else. Being an alumni of McMaster’s Music Program, I feel cuts to Music ensembles would take away from the aspect of community. The Arts, especially Music are about community, and if you are taking away Music ensembles you are taking away one of the most important lessons a musician must learn while in school and that is working with others and developing a set of interpersonal skills they can utilize towards a future in music. |
| I have tried out for these ensembles because I have heard such great things! Even though I didn’t get in. Ensembles are a massive part of the music society and it’s not right that students could get this taken away from them. They help musicians play with others and it helps build their skills mindsets and so much more |
| Having attended a Jazz Band performance and understanding the caliber at which they perform at, it would be devastating to have it offered every 2 days. As mentioned, this erodes community, stifles skill and weakens the already recovering arts community at McMaster. This is an ill-advised move for the campus. |
| Please don’t limit these ensembles to once every two years. They are as crucial to a musician’s development and growth as weekly labs are to science students. Making a cut like this will greatly limit the level of education that students will be able to reach at this institution. Additionally, these cuts will worsen McMaster’s image and standing in this discipline in comparison to other institutions. These cuts make our school a less competitive university and sends the message that the board does not care about it’s music students. |
| I was never an official Mac student, but being part of another Hamilton post secondary music program (Mohawk College’s Applied Music Diploma) meant several collaborations with McMaster music students. My participation in this ensemble not only improved my musicianship, but it helped me get to know more musicians throughout Hamilton and establish wonderful friendships.Interrupting ensembles like this not only kills any momentum of growth, but it crushes the potential communities that art/music students desperately need to maintain their sanity. Art needs community to thrive. There is no middle ground. |
| These ensembles are obviously a critical part of the development for music students at McMaster. The experience and knowledge gained from these ensembles are hugely important for both the community and learning of these musicians |
| I am not happy about these cuts because many of my friends are in the McMaster ensemble and since we relate through our interest in music, I wish to support their musical talents and wish to meet more people through our interest on music |
| Understandably, the current conditions makes these ensembles difficult to sustain. However, these ensembles have played a central roles in these students’ university experience. Through the development of skill, community, and discipline, these ensembles should have continued support. Rather than abandoning, I hope Mac decides to allow these ensembles to adapt. |
| I feel that they are essential to augment your music programs, providing invaluable experience. |
| As a music educator I believe in and value these types of ensembles. Students need these experiences. They are vital for our education, for expression, for maintaining our mental health. We need the beauty found in and as a result of these groups. |
| Music is important even for non-music program students. There must be outlets for people of all disciplines to play and enjoy music with other people. Cutting ANY playing opportunities is wrong and should be rescinded. |
| The McMaster Jazz band was an integral part of my academic and extracurricular career at McMaster. Not only was it an opportunity for me to get an escape from some of my other stressors, it was such a wonderful environment to be in. Few students were able to find an academic outlet that both plays as a stress reliever and the jazz band and the ensembles like it were just that. I am ploy McMaster to reconsider cutting these two ensembles as they will present with some serious repercussions for students and faculty alike |
| Firstly - Music education aside - I’d like to say that as someone who knew Dr. David Gerry, as well as his niece Mackenzie (Whom I went to high school with and was good friends with), I think it is sad that the flute ensemble dedicated to his memory is being cut. I visited him alongside my peers in the hospital during his final few weeks and while I was not personally very close with him beyond student/teacher relations, I know this is not what he would have wanted for this ensemble.Now looking from a music standpoint, these ensembles, both flute and jazz, are opportunities for students to hone their craft, and work with likeminded individuals towards improvement as musicians; as well as provide enjoyment and camaraderie in a program that at times feels secluded and alone. As someone who struggled mightily with mental health issues throughout my time at McMaster, I can attest to the joy ensembles like these (Choir for me) can bring to a student. It helped me keep my passion for music at a time where I could have easily lost it. Now I have turned that passion into a successful music school in Hamilton and support the education of many students both personally, and through the teachers that I employ (Some of whom are former McMaster Music graduates). To say the correlation is strong between choir and my endeavours would be an understatement. The benefits I received from participating in such an ensemble were tremendous. My attendance to standard classes was awful at best, but I never missed a choir session. I felt I owed it to my peers to be there, and that commitment helped me through the most difficult period of my life. I can not make it more clear that ensembles are an integral part of music education, both from a mental health perspective, and in terms of growth as a musician. |
| It’s clearly a power-grab by the administration to stomp out music from the Humanities faculty. Despicable. |
| It’s a shame that the Arts are often one of the first to be targeted when it comes to budget cuts. Art (music specifically, in this case) is so important in the development of Hamilton’s culture and growth as a city. It moves people, inspires people, and connects people. |
| Keeping the arts alive and sturdy is necessary for humans in general. The peace, catharsis, and connectivity it offers is unmatched. Do not let it take a dive down during such an unprecedented time. |
| Few friends who are now out of an ensemble going into 4th year and considering switching programs, utterly ridiculous to think that offering ensembles biannually is a good idea. |
| I believe the decision to make cuts to these ensembles is very unfair to all those who participate —for credit or not. I personally rely on the McMaster jazz band, as my principle instrument has no place in the other ensembles. Due to the cuts, it has become exponentially more difficult to meet the ensemble credit requirements for the music program. Furthermore, playing in the jazz band and jazz music is where I feel the most joy, and with these cuts, fostering that passion that many others share is not possible. |
| I am very disappointed to find out about the cuts to these 2 ensemble groups. I never participated in the Jazz band but I did attend their concerts before. Playing jazz music can be very different from playing the typical “classical” music pieces. As a non-jazz player, I’ve learned and observed many important things about music simply by watching their concerts. I’m sure others have as well.As a flute player and former member of the David Gerry Flute Ensemble, I’ve learned so many different flute techniques. There are your traditional classical flute techniques as well as the non-traditional ones that I had the chance to try in ensemble. I feel like sometimes in private lessons we focus so much on “classical” classical music pieces (ex. RCM pieces), unless we specifically ask for something else/already know about them and request to learn more. Ensemble is a great place to try these other genres of music with other musicians. Its a great environment for it.With this being said, its hard if there isn’t the right place for one’s instrument. I feel like piano students experience this often at McMaster. There’s no “piano ensemble” (if that exists haha). They usually join choir unless they already know how to play another instrument well enough to confidently play it in an ensemble group. Which reminds me - if music students are cut from the opportunity to join ensembles that they are looking forward to being in (especially with all those tuition fees), they’ll likely join an ensemble group that they don’t want to be in. They won’t put any effort in, maybe skip practices. And this can lead to lowering the quality of the final performances at the end of the semester - something that can be disappointing for some students, audience members, etc.I’ve learned many things about the flute in flute ensemble. With removing 2 ensemble groups or having them rotate each year, it just won’t work. It will discourage students from joining since it won’t be consistent. At least thats what I think. It could force students to learn a bit about other ensembles but it would be better if they joined because they want to, not because they don’t have any other option. Maybe an option (if more funds are needed for the music program) is to include end of semester performances in the tuition fees - and let students know. Encourage them to see the performances. Or make more assignments that involve going to see at least 1 performance (not of their own ensemble) so that the students can branch out and learn more. Just some ideas. |
| Having just re-named the Flute Ensemble in honour of David Gerry, a renowned flute professor who passed away almost four years ago, cutting this ensemble would be extremely detrimental to the the Music Program, as well as to the other McMaster Faculties, as the Flute Ensemble is comprised of students spanning all programs. Sara Traficante, the current director of the David Gerry Flute Ensemble, has worked tirelessly and endlessly to help grow the Flute Ensemble to provide an inclusive space for students to express themselves musically. Cutting this ensemble will negatively impact the School of the Arts, as well as the students who have purposely chosen to honour David Gerry through flute performance. |
| it is upsetting to see less programming offered to our music students |
| The young musicians who participate in the Jazz Band and Flute Ensemble have worked hard over many years to attain the level of ability required to be a member of the Band/Ensemble. Reducing their programs to an every-other-year occurrence only serves to give them the message that the work they have put into their music and the money they have paid for lessons only warrants an on-again/off-again effort. It minimises their work and dedication to their art. |
| I would have loved to participate in Jazz ensemble. But the positions for my instrument were full. I always thought that McMaster needed MORE ensembles - maybe different levels - not less. I missed out on the opportunity of learning to play in a jazz ensemble. Such opportunities are very rare now and you need to start somewhere. Passion comes from doing. Jazz ensemble provides both musical and cultural enrichment; each of which requires exposure and practice. |
| Opportunities for students to engage in music ensembles are integral to both the academic experience that students registered (and paid) to receive and their overall wellness, which at this particular time in history, should be at the forefront of making any decisions about program cuts. |
