Romano Pens Chapter in Music Theory Pedagogy Book

A chapter by Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music Theory Charlene Romano ’91, M.M., “Accommodating Dyslexia in Aural Skills: A Case Study,” was published in February in “The Routledge Companion to Music Theory Pedagogy,” edited by Leigh Van Handel. This case study details innovative accommodations developed by Romano and a Shenandoah Conservatory student with dyslexia. From Routledge’s own description of the volume: “Leading pedagogues from across North America explore how to most effectively teach the core elements of the music theory curriculum.”

Romano’s chapter also includes a list of recommended accommodation questions for instructors to ask when meeting with students with disabilities, and directs the reader to other helpful references. This volume has been highly anticipated in the theory pedagogy field.

Additionally, Romano once again coordinated the Mid-Atlantic High School Flute Choir Competition and event. High school flutists from across the Mid-Atlantic region provide recorded auditions in hopes of rehearsing and performing with this selective ensemble. This year’s guest conductor was flutist Debbie Gilbert, and the program, in keeping with the Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention’s theme of celebrating women, included works by Kathleen Mayne, Katherine Hoover (as part of a convention-wide memorial celebration of Hoover’s work), the world premiere of a newly commissioned work “Borealis” by Alexandra Molnar-Suhajda, and a performance of Mel Oriss’ “Nonsense!” with nationally renowned Pittsburgh flute pedagogue Wendy Kumer as narrator. This was Romano’s final year coordinating this competition and event. She is stepping down in order to serve on the executive board of the National Flute Association.