A2RU: Looking Forward to The Future of the Arts

Last week, we shared Jordan Campbell’s reflections of the A2RU Conference. Next we’re sharing reflections from two student panelists:

By Donald Rabin

In a rapidly changing world, the artist community is being encouraged to revolutionize the art’s impact on society. Through a means of stimulating conversations, multidisciplinary artistry, and valuable connections, we are making a difference. Inspiring administrators and artists were brought together as a collective to discuss the future of artistry. 

The experiences shared at the A2RU Conference brought new insight to my personal artistry. As a DMA Candidate in Flute Performance at the University of Houston, I was inspired by the motivation to modify curriculum and encourage the next generation of artists to “think outside the box”. The confines of our art’s education has limited exploration and an understanding of art’s true purpose. This is —of course — subjective and will differentiate among each individual artist. But, I believe that there is a general consensus that artistry is an enlightening experience that allows individuals the power of expression and provides a more meaningful way to make a large impact on controversial and pivotal issues that we face in society. 

The arts make a difference, and through collaboration and connection we can inspire future generations of artists to go out there to make the social change needed to progress. My hope for arts education is to challenge the assembly line of understanding and knowledge that has been created to manufacture workers in our capitalistic society. It is our opportunity as free thinkers and collaborators to encourage those not exposed to artistry that exploration to find passions can unite all of us. Providing future generations with the tools to recognize that artistry can improve your mental health rather than developing feelings of inadequacy because of the lack of perfection is what I believe can create a society of freethinkers. Rather than limiting our minds to performing or creating works that are considered traditional or classic is prohibiting the arts from reaching a wider audience. 

We have the power to introduce skills of artistry that can truly impact people’s daily lives. Arts integration is already impacting the world. Now is the time to make it visible to the general public, disrupt our public education system, and bring the arts to the forefront of people’s minds. Through multi-disciplinary connections, sharing resources, and developing our determination/will-power will hopefully unite us in efforts to make the change we want to make. 

The arts are so powerful, and I hope we can continue to share how impactful it can be for current generations and generations to come.

Donald Rabin is a passionate artist who plans to serve his community to the utmost of his capabilities. Currently a student of Aralee Dorough at the University of Houston Moores School of Music, he is pursuing his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Flute Performance and a Masters of Arts Leadership degree. As a performer, his playing can be heard on the soundtrack of NBC’s Documentary “SkyBlossom”, Fox News “Good Morning Chicago”, and German Television show “Good Moments”. He has also performed with the New England Philharmonic, Cape Ann Symphony, Brookline Orchestra, Missouri Symphony, Cartago Band of Costa Rica, and will serve as the Houston Symphony Community Fellow this upcoming season. An avid educator, Donald has had positions at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Prodigy Program, Noteworthy-Music Studios, and currently teaches flute with Humble-ISD. His education has been impacted by the Boston Conservatory at Berklee (MM) under Sarah Brady and Truman State University (BM) under Dr. Julianna Moore. Donald strongly believes that the arts can impact the world and serves as the project manager for the “Come Together Houston” project, Director of the Uniting America Concert, and will be the 2022-2023 Cynthia Woods-Mitchell Fellow. Donald’s goal is to bring artists and audience members together for a performance experience that promotes artistry, unity, and philanthropy. In his free time, Donald loves to dance, run, and enjoy life’s precious moments with friends, family, and his amazing mentors.