Originally from the Midwest, Emilie Amrein, DMA, found her way to USD as she was searching for an institution to become her “home” school. A competitive job market didn’t hold her back from pursuing a role in an ideal location with a justice-forward mission — USD.
During her campus interview in 2014, she stayed at USD’s Casa de la Paz guest residence, overlooking Mission Bay, and ate lunch at La Gran Terraza. “It was warm, lush, vibrant…a sensory experience.”
She was especially drawn to the criteria by which faculty success is measured and prioritized: teaching, research, service and mission fit (how faculty align their work with the mission of the university).
“It’s been wonderful how I see myself and space for my work in the mission, and that infuses everything else. Resonance in all things. My teaching is connected to my values — justice work, access, community — also connected to my research, with students who are participating in both, and in service commitments at and outside of USD. It feels not so much like work but a calling, a purpose. A mission.”
Since beginning at USD, Amrein has created campus and local community rooted in song and justice. Most recently, she won the 2020 Seed and Nourish Award for launching The Choral Commons, a virtual space for choirs and conductors to envision innovative and equity-centered choral futures, by producing podcasts and interactive webinars, engaging community partners, and incubating new choral projects.
Amrein says that while the tradition of European choral music is strong and beautiful, in reality, humans have been singing in community for over 70,000 years. The Choral Commons connects a community of music students and educators beyond the traditional canon to encompass what she calls “a more human sociological tradition,” addressing topics such as gender identity and expression, arts and incarcerations, housing insecurity, the global refugee crisis and poverty. The Commons also seeks wisdom from outside choral studies to understand how art can be used to bring cultural change on an institutional level.
As an extension of her values and personal mission, Amrein has designed justice-centered courses as a way of exploring the histories of singing people that have been often excluded from music education. In her “We Shall Overcome: Singing for Justice, Freedom and Peace” seminar, students learn about the role and impacts of communal song in social movements from the Civil Rights Movement to the Anti-Apartheid Movement in South Africa.
Students write their own lyrics and even stage a mini protest on campus as part of their student research. She says the structure of the course gives students learning opportunities to “embrace their own voices as a way of invoking this vision for a world we haven’t had yet.”
Additionally, through her cross-border program, Common Ground Voices / La Frontera, Amrein brings students to sing and be in community with refugees, asylum seekers, deportees and the internally displaced in Tijuana shelters.
“Music has been such a source of hope, in the context of conflict and struggle…seeing how songs have been passed from one protest movement to another, connecting struggles on a global scale.”
As she continues her work in decolonizing the music curriculum, Amrein gets energy from her students, who she says have a hunger to make their work and lives meaningful. She encourages her students by centering their work as a powerful collaboration.
“The human voice is a tool and is part of our humanness; singing and storytelling is a birthright. Affirming people’s belonging in this global community as participants of song is my personal mission. I want people to recognize that they have this inherent human expressive tool in their own bodies — they can use that tool for all things. When you use that tool in the community, you can change a lot.”
The above comes from a Dec. 10 release from the USD news center.
De-colonizer leftist detests Western Europeans and their culture.
Yes. A leftist, immature music teacher, not a true professor of music. Not a professional at all. Just a pretend social activist making money off the latest fads. Riling up kids to do a protest, instead of introducing them to all the greatness of our Western musical heritage, teaching them to appreciate all we are blessed with– maturely Role Modeling appreciation and respect for this great country, which is giving them a big, fancy education, with all the frills– and perhaps a comfortable future, after graduation. Plus– how about training talented, future, excellent musicians? That is her true calling. She should be fired.
Golden Rule-if she calls someone sleazy, dumb, immature-she wants to be called those things too. If she is a Christian.
qsc– Yes, I get mad at those “sleazy, dumb, leftist social activists,” hired to be professional University professors, who misuse their jobs– and mislead paying students– in Liberal-Leftist Indoctrination Camps at so-called universities. But anyway– yes, we all should all practice the Golden Rule. And end this nonsense at expensive American universities. This one– USD– is supposed to be Catholic.
Actually, she is an associate professor and chair of her department. So I guess in that regard, she is not a “true” professor, but otherwise all you have said here is just libel and general insult. I suppose you call that tirade mature Role Modeling?
Sorry, an Associate Professor teaches lots of courses! And the Chair of a University Academic Dept. has the responsibility for the program. And the program should be on a professional University level– not “kiddie stuff.” Her job is to teach Music, on a professional level, and cultivate talented students. If she fails to do that, then talented music students will go elsewhere for their training. And the USD Music Dept. will be a joke. No, this is not a “tirade.” Stop judging others’ writing styles, YFC. Nobody judges yours. Write the way you want.
Of course, YFC, it is better to practice the Golden Rule. But we all lose our patience at times, with the immense “woke” destructions of the liberal-leftists. A university education is costly– and should be serious. Your degree that you earn should be something to respect. How about starting a big Community Chorus, free of charge, not-for-credit– where a music professor donates time, and trains amateur singers, introducing them to great masterpieces of music, holding performances of these works? I know of lots of choral conductors who have done this. Especially, Christmas performances, where you bring family and friends for a memorable experience. With Christmas cookies and treats at a party, afterwards.
Decolonizing was not said by the professor.
Everything the professor is saying and doing is great.
If you are old enough to remember the 1960s in America, you remember the songs that changed the nation.
Nobody is old enough to remember slavery but they used many Biblical themes to express themselves. They were still being taught in public schools as spirituals in the 1960s.
Music also has the power to change things for the worst. That was why people burned records in the 1980s. It was why there was preaching against rock and roll.
And yes, this is a world wide phenomenon of how music brings people together for good. Even people without musical instruments can use their voices.
As for the mini-protests, it seems very appropriate to experience that personally rather than just read about it. ( no pun intended, if you are an Emile Sande fan.)
The pro-life movement needs a really good protest song.
College music professors are hired to teach serious classical music, and develop talented young musicians in their voice or instrument. They are certainly not hired to teach silly protest songs, or promote the latest pop culture fads, with bad behavior— like protests, for no good reason. Like English, Physics, History, or Math, or any other subject– Music is a very serious field. You would never see a Math or Physics professor wasting time, on-the-job, ignorantly promoting a foolish fad, or bad behavior– like protests. We have many famous classical musical artists, from tragic situations of Communist countries, who bravely escaped persecution, and sought justice, in a free country like America. Maybe they can give an inspiring lecture, on their brave struggles. There are also many famous Black classical musical artists, who have risen from poverty and racism, to tremendous success and prestige. Great role models, for talented young Black music students.
Don’t criticize what you don’t understand-Bob Dylan, The Times They Are A-Changin
College music teachers are hired to teach music; some teach classical voice and/or instruments. Others teach country, ragtime, jazz, pop, you name it. Classical music isn’t the only good music.
No. College music professors are hired to teach Music on a professional level. Classical music is a university-level field for Music Majors. Music Majors are serious musical talents, who come to cultivate and fully develip their talents in their voice or instrument. They also may specialize in fields like Choral or Orchestral conducting, Musicology,.or Composition. They pay lots of money for this! And are awarded professional college degrees. Sometimes, professirs offer a little “pop” music class to non-Music Majors.
I think it has been a long time since you were in college, am I right?
Click the link that is her name in blue in the first sentence and read her credentials. Then please share yours with us.
cd– big waste of time! Sorry!
I cried my way all the way to the bank.
I bet “God Bless America” wouldn’t be approved by this woman.
Of course it would. Especially its resurgence after 9/11.
wow…… songs of justice, freedom, equality and community!
do people really like that kind of music?
Thanks O learned DMA, who’da thunk?
My musical tastes run more toward injustice, exploitation,
oppression and isolation. Dig that crazy beat!
I bet she likes atonal musick.
Lo-fi is so much better than Mozart. Mozart is a dead, white male, besides.
Not dead….. just De-composing
Very cleaver!
Oops, I meant clever, but the other word my just fit in there too, considering.
Social Justice – another name for socialism.
No it is opposed to socialism.
cd, Social Justice advocates of yoday’s world are also very strong advocates of Socialism and related philosophies– they believe in it “for the good of the people,” in their view.
It is possible that a social justice advocate may opine that. But I don’t think most do-especially not Catholic. I suspect that what you think social justice is and what you think socialism is might be different than what I think they are.
cd, in modern-day America, almost every social justice activist is a liberal-leftist, interested in Socialist-types of philosophies, and favors lots of Democrat-style, big-spending, government social programs, to help disadvantaged people. Almost all of them are Socialist- to-the-core, without stating that formally– and belong to the Democratic party. In the 1930s, when Democrat FDR got elected, he began to help suffering, Depression-era Americans, with his government-spending, “New Deal” social programs, and some were skeptical– scared of Socialism eroding Democracy. However, FDR’s programs were badly-needed, and worked out well.
You should google it.
cd, googling something to verify that Democratic Party platforms, Socialism, and Social Activism are all connected, will not reveal the truth to you. Social Activists and Democrats will not usually say that they are “Socialists.” However, their beliefs tend to be in the same direction as Socialism.
Social Justice Warriors and Socialism are two different subjects. Many Social Justice Warriors tend towards leftist Socialism in their beliefs and practices, to cure social problems. Yes, Socisl Justice Warriors usually are not card-carrying “Socialists” enrolled in a Socialist organization. But their beliefs in curing social problems, lean in the direction of leftist Socialism. That means, they believe in “big-spending” government programs, to help thousands of people. Many Americans traditionally have resisted “charity” or “government prograns,” when in need of help– because they proudly want to try to fix their own problems, individually, “on their own.” Very “American” way! They view “government programs” and other means of “help,” as “Socialism,” and believe it to be “too much interference and control” over the lives of American citizens. Everyone knows this. Today, many European countries famously have ended up as “Socialistic,” to fix social problems– and many Anericans fear that our country is going in the same direction, with erosion of individual freedoms, and reliance on “Big Government.” Everyone knows this well. Social Justice Warriors of the Democratic Party are very “Socialistic.”
The topic was: Is social justice and socialism the same thing? Are social justice advocates also strong advocates of socialism?
Just google social justice. Or just put the questions in.
I will spare you the embarrassment of having to post back because any one else who is interested can also do so.
Just educate yourself
Therefore, while socialism is seen as a threat to individual identity, social justice is a call to honor the life and dignity of each individual, especially the least among us. The fear of socialism begins with a fear of losing one’s identity and material wealth, as well as the ability to experience economic upward mobility. The mission of social justice begins with honoring the identity of each human and realizing the mobility of one depends upon the mobility of all.
Educate yourself– Don’t rely on Google for an “education!” I will put it quute clearly. “Is social justice the same as Socialism?” Social justice and Socialism are two different subjects. Many social justice warriors tend towards Socialism in their beliefs and practices, to cure social problems. That’s all I said. And it is true.
Educate yourself– it is very idealistic to assume that Social Justice Warriors all honor individual identity and freedom. Only a handful of the best social reformers have deeply felt that way, and they are well-known in history. Today’s social reformers, or Social Justice Warriors, in America– are usually quite controversial, very weak and shallow, intellectually and morally, and are not at all on the high level of the historically famous social reformers. For example– the social activists who helped Obama create “Obamacare,” even the Catholic nuns who accepted abortion and birth control mandates in Obamacare– were very Socialistic in their methods to solve healthcare/health insurance problems, in America. Those immoral abortion and birth control government mandates in healthcare coverage, plus requirements for all Americans to be fined if they refused to buy health insurance– are criticized heavily as “Socialistic.”
Google is a search engine. You can choose your sources for your education.
Thank you for admitting you were wrong.
Then you go right back to pride.
I am turning you over to Mary.
cd, Sorry, I am not “wrong,” and never “admitted” to such a silly thing. I am not interested in computers and Google– very shallow way to educate yourself! And Google is not always accurate– there are lots of inaccuracies and problems, with Google! Best to educate yourself in the norrnal way. I see now that maybe you were referring to outstanding, historically famous Social Reformers, like St. Mother Teresa, or St. Damien of Molokai– very great in their day, with very high and idealistic religious and moral beliefs and standards, believing in the honor and dignity of individuals, and the love of God for them. St. Martin de Porres is the Saint of Social Reforners. He was absolutely fantastic! These great Saints are totally different than the typically shallow, immoral, radical, misfit secular social reformers of today’s America– usually found in the Democratic Party. Planned cd– Parenthood leaders, seeking “reproductive justice for women”– are an example of today’s Social Reformers. Very Socialistic– influencing Big Government to mandate tax-payers’ support for “abortion for all.” No Religious Freedom. Erosion of Democracy. Socialistic.
Of course, if someone complains that Social Justice Warriors advocating Obamacare are “Socialists” that just means, a liberal-leftist tendency towards Socialism. It does not mean that Obamacare advocates are all actually card-carrying Sociailist Party members, in the classical sense. Just the tendency.
Very Cleaver indeed.
She knows all music is equal, most equal though is that which is communal, coming from the hood, like:
F- the police. A Young n- got it bad ’cause I’m brown. And not the other color so police think They have the authority to kill a minority
F- that s-, ’cause I ain’t the one For a punk motherf- with a badge and a gun To be beatin’ on, and thrown in jail
We can go toe-to-toe in the middle of a cell F-in’ with me ’cause I’m a teenager With a little bit of gold and a pager Searchin’ my car, lookin’ for the product
Thinkin’ every n- is sellin’ narcotics (from a popular anti-law enforcement rap song)
It’s especially helpful in advocating for social justice when one lives an elite lifestyle overlooking the ocean. Sorry Moe Zart and other dead white males, nobody needs to listen to you. And, I’m not really sorry, just being polite. From a fellow social justice warrior, keep it real sista!
I wonder what kind of car she drives?
Well, that is exactly what a good choral program in a decent Music Dept. at a university, should look like. And the conductor is obviously a man, not the De-Colonizer” Dept. Chair, Dr. Emilie Amerin. Good thing this choral conductor is doing normal work, in his field. Parents– many of them Catholic– are paying for this, for their kids’ college education.
University of San Diego Choral Scholars
Michael Ostrzyga, guest conductor
Emilie Amrein, chorus master
with Angelus Orchestra and guest artists
Jesu, meine Freude- J.S. Bach
V. Chorale: Trotz dem alten Drachen
VI. Chorus: Ihr aber seid nicht fleischlich
VII. Chorale: Weg mit allen Schätzen
Dr Emilie Amerin is the chorus master. This is her job. This is what she does. This is her product.
Have you all heard that they now have a “Cannabis Studies” program? I kid you not: https://greenflower.sandiego.edu/
I promised myself, I would stop getting so mad, at all the terrible things going on, in the Culture of Death, in today’s world. That expensive, prestigious Jesuit and Catholic school is a 100% total loss. All those young minds…destroyed by a marijuana major.
You do over-react.
over– So what? I bet there are times when you “over-react,” too!
Sorry, I got mixed up– USD was not founded by the Jesuits.
It’s Bishop Bob’s school. Those in the Diocese of San Diego might want to contact him and ask his opinion.
Thanks for the link.
It shows two programs: health care and law.
These are 6 month professional certificates.
It is not a major.
patience–I used the term Marijuana Major as a joke. Parents don’t spend family money, and send their kids to college– especially, a Catholic university– to pursue studies in Dope, and graduate to become Dope Sellers. Want to see the sickening crime-dope-homeless-and-body waste-infested streets, of SF? This city is not supposed to resemble a hopeless, crime-ridden, dope-infested, poverty-stricken, illiterate Third World country.
Sorry, the “moniker” got scrambled, on my comment of 12/23, at 6:25pm. It should read, “University Marijuana Major Is A Big Joke.”
Did you click on the link and read it or did you just follow Speaking of USD down the rabbit hole?
Did you click– Marijuana should be illegal. Period. No youngster should ever take any kind of drug. Marijuana is famous as a “rabbit hole” that nany kids go down, soon to take much worse drugs– and end up as dope addicts, with lives destroyed.
Right On, Elite Catholic Wokester, Right On !
Might I suggest: https://www.sandiego.edu/cas/music/curriculum/#tabs-major–scroll-to. A review of the college’s music department majors curriculum shows a wide range of music genres, including digital gaming, jazz and lots of other music courses that aren’t just classical.
Bob D. got the Nobel Prize for poetry for his music; the times they are changing.
can’t tell… A truly good jazz artist always has a good Classical Music training and background, and is well-trained on his instrument.
More to google.
OHMYJAZZ– A good jazz artist needs good classical training on their instrument. With a good classical training and background, and solid musicianship, you can do anything you want. Googling is a waste of time. Take lessons, practice your instrument!
“Googling is a waste of time.” that explains everything.
It never ceases to amaze me how people carry encyclopedias, Bibles, dictionaries, a whole flippin” library in the palm of their hands and they are too lazy to tap a few keys to keep from making fools of themselves.
I’ve got a relative like this. They are the expert on everything (examples: California is run by Republicans; there are no poor people in San Francisco; what gay people do isn’t a sin if they are married).
When you pull up information that contradicts their inaccuracies, they say “Well, I’ll have to check MY sources.”
LOL
cton, I am sure you will agree– if you want to learn something well, best not to just look up a topic on Google, or elsewhere. Best to read a lot of books on your subject of interest, or take some good classes. Google also is flawed, which the company admits.
Face palm
cton– Of course, everyone should use resources they are comfortable with. We all have our own preferences. Not criticizing your use of Google, that is your preference.
Have a Merry Christmas.