Updated October 29, 2025
The Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester will host its second Context Conference on November 6-8, 2025, in Rochester, NY. This year’s theme, Resonate: The best harmony takes all of us, frames how we can use music to educate and engage our communities from K-12 through professional-level organizations.
REGISTRATION EXTENDED! Sign up to attend Context Conference 2025 online through Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
Registration Types
All types include conference materials and admission to the Soul Symphony concert on Saturday evening.
- Full Registration ($350 – includes Food Truck Rodeo)
- Presenter Registration ($200 – includes Food Truck Rodeo)
- UR Affiliate Registration: Eastman/UR Faculty, Staff, Students, & Emeriti (FREE – does not include Food Truck Rodeo)
- Add Food Truck Rodeo ($15)
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Conference Host Dr. Crystal Sellers Battle shares, “The power of harmony is that it brings together separate voices, life journeys, and perspectives to create something beautiful. The future of music will be powerful, and I am thrilled to hear how others plan to lend their voice and talents to the pathway ahead.”
The three-day conference will bring brilliant minds together, including keynote speakers Omar Thomas, antonio cuyler, phd, and China Wilson. Attendees will have access to 40 workshops presented by colleagues from over 20 states, along with breakout group sessions, informal discussion opportunities, a joint concert with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and more. Battle is a “firm believer that sharing ideas can happen when sharing a meal,” and so Context Conference will include a a Food Truck Rodeo and special discounted dinner events.
Conversations will be framed around the following five areas:
- Classroom Innovation
- Curriculum Shift
- Repertoire and Performance Practice
- Community Engagement
- Recruitment and Retention
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Context Conference 2025 is in need of event staff from November 5-8! If you are willing to serve as a volunteer, please complete this form by October 17. Those who commit to volunteer will have their conference registration waived and will be provided a t-shirt.
About “A Soul Symphony: Where Gospel Meets Orchestra”
The Eastman School of Music, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and a dynamic 75-voice community gospel choir will come together to celebrate the richness of African American musical traditions. The program — with artistic direction by Dr. Battle and under the baton of Jonathan Taylor Rush — features works by Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, John Carter, Omar Thomas, Richard Smallwood, and more. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of symphonic soul and gospel brilliance. Tickets are just $5 and all proceeds go to ROCmusic.
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NOTE TO MONROE COUNTY MUSIC EDUCATORS
All pre-K through 12 music educators in Monroe County are eligible for FREE registration on a first come, first served basis. Due to limited availability, please email the George Walker Center directly to express interest: gwc@esm.rochester.edu.
Please visit the Context Conference website to learn more, view the full speaker schedule, and register today!