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Message from the Dean
Acting Dean
Professor of Voice
Don Wright Faculty of Music
Western University
Biography
Dear Alumni, Friends, and Members of the Don Wright Faculty of Music Community,
It is with gratitude, humility, and great enthusiasm that I write to you as Acting Dean of the Don Wright Faculty of Music.
I begin by thanking Dean Michael Kim for his outstanding leadership over the past five years. Through a period of significant growth and transformation, Michael helped position the Faculty for a strong and promising future. We wish him every success as he begins this exciting new chapter at Rutgers University and remain deeply grateful for his many contributions to our community.
For me, this appointment is especially meaningful because the Don Wright Faculty of Music has been my academic home for more than twenty years.
Since joining Western University in 2005, I have had the privilege of serving this Faculty as a teacher, performer, researcher, administrator, mentor, and colleague. Over those years, I have come to know this community well and to appreciate the dedication, talent, and generosity that define it.
What makes this Faculty special is not simply the quality of its programs or the accomplishments of its graduates. It is the people. Our faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and friends share a deep belief in the importance of music, creativity, learning, and human connection. That shared commitment gives me great confidence in the future.
The Don Wright Faculty of Music occupies a unique place within Western University and within Canada's musical landscape. Our strength lies in the breadth of musical traditions, disciplines, and perspectives that come together within a single community. It is this richness that creates opportunities for collaboration, innovation, discovery, and excellence.
As Acting Dean, I look forward to building upon these strengths. We have exciting opportunities ahead to support our students, strengthen our programs, deepen partnerships, advance research and creative activity, and expand our engagement with alumni and friends.
Most importantly, I look forward to deepening relationships across our community. One of the greatest privileges of this role will be learning from the many individuals whose experiences, ideas, and aspirations continue to shape the life of the Faculty. I am excited to connect with more of our alumni, supporters, and community partners and to hear your perspectives and hopes for the future.
As Western approaches its 150th anniversary, I am inspired by what lies ahead. Together, we have an opportunity to build upon a remarkable legacy while creating new possibilities for the future of music education, research, performance, and creative activity.
Thank you for your continued support of the Don Wright Faculty of Music. Whether you are an alumnus, donor, community partner, audience member, parent, supporter, or friend, you are an important part of our story. I look forward to connecting with many of you in the months ahead.
With warm regards,
Sophie Louise Chantal Roland
Acting Dean
Don Wright Faculty of Music at Western University