February 6, 2020

CIM Students, Faculty and Staff Journey to Detroit for SphinxConnect 2020

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Off we go! Today, more than 50 conservatory and Musical Pathway Fellowship students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff—including President and CEO Paul W. Hogle and Chief Academic Officer and Dean Judy Bundra—traveled to Detroit for the SphinxConnect conference, being held February 6-8.

SphinxConnect, an epicenter for artists and leaders in diversity, empowers and brings together hundreds of musicians, industry leaders, educators, funders, diversity advocates and administrators and offers opportunities for learning and collaboration.

During the conference, participants will also be able to see the 23rd Annual Sphinx Competition, which will feature current CIM student Alexandra Alvarado Switala (violin, I. Kaler) and alumnus and violinist Paul Aguilar (BM '19, Laredo/Sloman). Melissa Kraut, co-head of CIM's Cello department, is serving as a juror for the competition.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Paul Sphinx — President and CEO Paul Hogle facilitates panel discussion at SphinxConnect.

Today, CIM President and CEO Paul W. Hogle was the facilitator of the afternoon session, "Consensus 2.0 = Fuhgetabout It," leading the panel and audience in a discussion about facilitating change and making tangible shifts, and finding ways for leaders to strive to build a consensus within their teams and communities on their journey toward bold change. Hogle and the panelists - Trey Davey, president, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Alberto Suarez, principal horn, Kansas City Symphony, and Louise Toppin, professor of music (voice) at the University of Michigan - offered ways to explore what everyone can do to bring about compelling results. View and listen to the discussion.

Travis and Mom — CIM Musical Pathway Fellow Travis Phillips (double bass, Rowell) and his mother, Brontie Phillips, get ready to take in the Sphinx Competition Junior Division Honors Concert.

CIM Sphinx contingent — Enjoying their time at a reception during the SphinxConnect conference in Detroit (from left), Tammie Belton, President Paul Hogle, Rachel Kunce, Jerrod Price, Melissa Kraut and Erik Mann.

Sphinx contingent2 — Several of the CIM contingent attending the SphinxConnect conference in Detroit gather for a fun group photo with Sphinx President and Artistic Director Afa Dworkin (far right, first row).

CIM’s Senior Director of Human Resources Tammie Belton (left, foreground) is joined by Blake Anthony Johnson, director of learning and community of the Louisville Orchestra; Jazmin Morales, manager, Center for Innovation and Community Impact at the Colburn School; and facilitator Lynette Clemetson, director of Wallace House at the University of Michigan to discuss creating every day platforms to identify our challenges, discuss them openly and promote solutions that are bold and authentic.

Alumnus Devin Hinzo (MM '18, Rosenwein), second from right, participates in a discussion at SphinxConnect.

Sphinx party1 — CIM students (from left) Matias Nestor Cuevas, Kiana Lilly, Marquise Bradley and Breanna Lang enjoy the camaraderie during an evening reception at SphinxConnect.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Paul_Jason_Sphinx — President Paul Hogle and alumnus Jason Tanksley (MM '16, Sugiyama) check out the day's conference schedule.

CIM student Marquise Bradley (center) shares his perspectives and experiences during a panel discussion about being a student of color in the conservatory. Marquise studies clarinet with Afendi Yusuf. At left is session facilitator Jacqueline Jove of the Sphinx Organization; at right is voice student Rayna Campbell of the Manhattan School of Music.

All in all, a successful conference!