For those of you in the Gordon Center on the evening of Feb. 19, you may have noticed the gathering of students and faculty on the second floor. Inside was the opening event of the spring semester for the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility in Music Organization (IDEAS in Music).
IDEAS in Music (formerly known as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Music Organization) was started in September 2022 by Director of Jazz Bands and Wind Ensemble Dr. Brendon Wilkins as a discussion group that provides a space for students, faculty, and staff to talk about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in music.
In the fall of 2023, IDEAS in Music partnered with the Office of Civic Engagement at Colby College to further expand the reach of the organization into the Waterville community and beyond. Since then, the organization has expanded to incorporate diverse perspectives, establish a student leadership team, and collaborate with Crescendo for a Cause to serve a dual purpose: create a platform for important discussions of diversity, equity, and inclusion through music, and provide music education opportunities in Central Maine.
Thus, the opening event of the spring semester was awaited with bated breaths from faculty and students. The discussion topic centered around Music and Childhood, but it quickly branched out into connected themes. Conversations began with a simple prompt about each individual’s earliest memory of music. For some students, the answer came quickly: a memorable musical performance during their childhood, or the memory of the student’s first music lesson at the ripe age of two. For others, it required more reflection. As students and faculty shared their stories, the room filled not only with nostalgia, but with an awareness of how different those beginnings had been.
The conversation shifted into examining how childhood musical experiences influence confidence and belonging. Some students described highly structured and competitive environments that fostered discipline. Others spoke about informal musical upbringings rooted in community, culture, and exploration that cultivated creativity. These contrasts highlighted and celebrated the diverse experiences of each individual in their music pathway.
The discussion also touched on the effects of music on youth. Abi Tedros `28 highlighted studies showing sustained engagement with music strengthening cognitive skills such as memory and language acquisition, supporting social development through collaboration and ensemble work, and building emotional regulation and resilience. Early exposure to music has also been linked to improved academic performance and increased confidence, especially when children feel supported and encouraged in creative spaces. These findings added weight to the conversation, underscoring that music in childhood is not merely extracurricular, but formative. For the volunteer music teachers in the room, it was a reminder and affirmation of the important work they each dedicated themselves to every week.
As the formal discussion drew to a close, the evening ended on a lighter note with a Kahoot that summarized key themes from the event. Laughter and friendly competition filled the room, but the activity also reinforced how much ground had been covered in just one meeting. Lyon Blomberg `28 said that he was thankful for the “IDEAS in music meetings [placing him] in environments where [he] can openly talk and share [his] love for music.”
Looking ahead, IDEAS in Music continues to build on these conversations. The next event in March will explore Irish music, inviting participants to engage with questions of tradition, cultural transmission, and identity through a new lens. If the opening meeting is any indication, the semester promises thoughtful dialogue, critical reflection, and an ever-expanding understanding of music’s role in shaping lives. Be on the lookout for specific dates at ‘colbyideas’ on Instagram or on ColbyNow!
~ Roy Li `28
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