It's been a full year since Dean Jutras took the helm at UC's College-Conservatory of Music, and the first-round reflections have come rolling in. In a statement made earlier this week, Jutras emphasized the importance of community and connection, a theme that's become a trademark of his tenure thus far.
Not one to sit on the sidelines, Jutras has spent his inaugural year with an ear to the ground, meeting the artistic and administrative movers and shakers of Cincinnati's performing arts scene. He has also held conversations with over 75 donors, alumni, and community partners to gauge their perspectives on the future trajectory of an institution steeped in tradition. "I’ve met with the artistic and administrative leadership of every major performing arts organization in Cincinnati," Jutras recounted in the published piece, according to UC News. Internally, Jutras isn't any less involved—he's had conversations with more than 100 full-time faculty and staff in a bid to understand their aspirations and dreams.
CCM holds a significant place in the local arts ecosystem, and Jutras' efforts reflect an awareness of that impact. He's been a regular face at college events, from rehearsals to the actual performances, where he's often delivered curtain speeches at CCM shows. His presence is a nod to an enduring commitment to nurturing the creative forces the college harbors.
For Dean Jutras, leading CCM is about experiencing its pulse through its people. "Being on the ground, cheering on our students and watching their hard work come to life has been one of the greatest joys of this first year," he told the UC News publication. The sentiment captures a year marked not just by planning, but by an active engagement with the community that defines the institution's unique character.
