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Last fall, Frost School of Music professor of flute Jennifer Grim suddenly found herself in three prominent leadership positions. She had just become chair of the Instrumental Performance Department (MIP), the largest program at the Frost School, a promotion that was accelerated after the sudden passing of her predecessor, Robert Carnochan, in September. She was preparing to become president of the 5,000-member National Flute Association that November. And she was coming off her fourth summer as artistic administrator of the Frost School at Festival Napa Valley, the elite classical music and cultural celebration.<\/p>\n
But Grim said that leading those external organizations, as well as her recent term as\u00a0<\/span>president of Chamber Music America<\/a>, has deepened her understanding of the classical music world in ways that benefit MIP.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m in constant dialogue with leading orchestral and chamber musicians across the country, which gives me a deep understanding of how our peer institutions are evolving\u2014especially when it comes to curriculum and professional development,\u201d Grim said. \u201cThese connections allow me to bring fresh ideas and national-level innovation into the MIP department, helping us stay ahead of the curve and preparing our students to thrive in a rapidly changing musical landscape.\u201d<\/p>\n At MIP, the largest department at the Frost School, Grim initially focused on uniting faculty and students in the wake of Carnochan\u2019s loss<\/a>. \u201cTragedy brought us together, and this department became a community,\u201d she said. She organized student social events and helped bring the MIP Student Advisory Council back to robust life.<\/p>\n Grim, who joined the Frost School<\/a> in 2019, believes she can bring fresh ideas to the program. “Many of my colleagues have been teaching here for decades, and that brings consistency and a longstanding record of excellence,” she said. “But it also reminds us of the work still ahead\u2014to ensure our faculty reflects the multiplicity we strive for in our students and our field.\u201d<\/p>\n She hopes to expand the program with things like a lecture series on other skills in addition to musical performance. \u201cI look forward to strengthening our relevance in the 21st century while growing our reputation as one of the leading classical music instrumental programs in the country,\u201d Grim said.<\/p>\n