Trans and gender diverse students face unique challenges, including bullying, legislative violations, and unsupportive families. Music educators already provide a safe place for self-expression and celebrating differences, but must do more to support this vulnerable population of students. Through story telling and peer-reviewed research, this presentation will dispel false narratives surrounding the trans and gender diverse communities and detail ways that music educators can be better allies.
Nora Wilson
- Biographical Information
Dr. Nora Wilson is the Associate Professor of Low Brass at
Brandon University. She has performed with several professional ensembles
including the Winnipeg and Regina Symphony Orchestras, the Winnipeg Jazz
Orchestra, and the Brandon Chamber Players. Although the traditions of
classical and jazz trombone will always be important to her, Wilson’s true
passion lies in creating new music for her instrument. She has commissioned
several new works from Canadian composers, including a new piece for trombone
and 8-bit accompaniment by Kenley Kristofferson that she performed at the 2024
International Trombone Festival. She is also exploring Truth and Reconciliation
through a Canada Council for the Arts funded project called Sonic Dreaming.
With her collaborator, Peter Morin, she is developing a land-based methodology
for music and art making. Their work will result in numerous performances
across Canada and a full-length album. Additionally, Wilson is a member of a
new improvisatory queer pop duo with Canadian composer, Koda Maxon, called Transfixed.
Although low brass performance instruction is Wilson’s primary research focus,
gender diversity and inclusion has emerged as a personal and important area of
research for her. Her presentations on the subject center on the importance of
the music classroom as safe space for gender diverse students. She has
presented clinics at the Manitoba Music Educators Association Conference and
the National Canadian Music Educators Association Conference.