That’s a hard question to answer, however there were so many “ah hah” moments that occurred during those early years of membership, and then during my several decades of service to CMS. Allow me to share one anecdote that might partially answer your question.

In 1977, I attended my first CMS Annual meeting (in conjunction with SMT and the Midwest Chapter of AMS). Coincidently I was also the “local arrangements” coordinator for the ’77 Evanston conference, (we expected fewer than 250 conferees—there were over 750 registrations, then a CMS record attendance!

I began working on the 1977 Evanston CMS in the fall of 1976—I met regularly with a planning committee of dedicated current and future leaders of music in higher education with the resolve to insure a successful conference. Fortunately, the annual meeting was successful. But more importantly, during the four days of the conference, I met professionals who were committed to interdisciplinarity—colleagues in academic areas who cared about music performance, and performers who cared about the academic mission of music in higher education. As a young and inexperienced professor, I met with leaders and future leaders in our wide range of disciplines within higher education represented by CMS, who also cared about music offerings for our general campus students, and the communities that surround our academic “islands.” The relationships that began in 1977 have continued throughout my professional life. I know that I want to continue to serve CMS as someone who meets young or mid career professionals to share my experiences and advice. I feel humbled by the many gifts I’ve received from CMS and from members who share the values of CMS.

It’s now payback time.

In real estate the phrase is “location, location, location.” As a member of “The Academy,” of course scholarship, creative contributions, teaching, service and recruitment are important. However for ultimate success, the important phrase should be “networking, networking, networking.” CMS regional and national conferences allow graduate students and faculty to exchange in formal and social situations with our very impressive and approachable early, mid, and late career CMS members.

Review the many benefits of CMS on its Web site. The Society is much more than its Directory and Music Vacancy Lists.

”Networking, networking, networking.” The heart and soul of CMS are its members – not just the services it provides. The CMS site has names and contact information of members who are committed to providing information on mentoring, professional development, engagement and outreach and many other possibilities.

Regarding the CMS Fund....

My suggestion to young members of CMS: Invest in your career by attending regional and national conferences, and/or the myriad or “institutes” and workshops” sponsored by CMS. Your attendance and active participation will pay dividends to you in the future.

My suggestion to mid-career professionals: the same as above, but with an additional caveat: assess your priorities, and consider how you can make a difference with any discretionary contributions you can make to organizations like The College Music Society. Even a $25 annual tax-deductible contribution to CMS sends a strong message to foundations, family foundations, government agencies, and others who might consider contributions to CMS. Potential donors ask, “What percentage of your membership contributes?” Be part of our “team.”

To senior and life-members of CMS: consider an annual gift and if possible, consider talking to your attorney about a small or large gift as part of your estate planning. There may be tax advantages that would benefit your heirs, but more importantly, your estate gift can potentially insure the continuing influence of CMS on music in higher education.