Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Music Division
From March 21–22, Bennington College celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the College’s influential, improvisational Black Music Division with a symposium of events, history, and music surrounding the 1974 beginnings of the groundbreaking program.
Reports The Manchester Journal:
The weekend program brought together alums, musicians, faculty, and students for reflection, performance, discussion, and exploration of the division’s legacy. The event honored the improvisational brilliance of the Black Music Division’s foundational figures, Bill Dixon and Milford Graves, and "the transformative influence they have had on the College’s offerings, the lives of students, and the broader landscape of music and culture,” said Michael Wimberly, percussionist, composer, and Bennington College faculty member who organized the symposium. “I’m thrilled to share this moment with so many talented artists and students who continue to carry this tradition forward."
Wimberly stated that the program aimed to celebrate and reflect on the history of this program and to encourage the next generation to remember and recognize the teaching, curriculum inspiration, and innovation created by musicians and educators here at Bennington College beginning in 1974. Several former faculty members and students dating back to the program's genesis were in attendance, with many joining in on stage for performances and jam sessions throughout the weekend.