Maritza Cosano
Jul 19, 2022
On July 1, the Board of Directors of Chamber Music America (CMA) announced its leadership changes for the 2022-23 fiscal year. Jennifer Grim, associate professor of flute at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music assumes the role of President of the CMA, becoming the first Black woman to fill this position in the organization's 45-year history.
Hailed as “a deft, smooth flute soloist” by the New York Times, Grim is also a member of Zéphyros Winds, an active member of the National Flute Association's board of directors, and is the artistic advisor to the Frost School of Music at Festival Napa Valley, a summer music academy for advanced collegiate musicians. She joined the CMA board in 2017 and has served as one of its vice presidents since 2021. She succeeds composer Billy Childs, who completed his tenure on June 30.
“I am excited to serve the chamber music community as President of the Board of Directors of Chamber Music America,” said Grim. “Chamber music has been a focus of my performance career, and I look forward to working with the community in serving the needs of small ensembles and organizations.”
On becoming CMA’s first Black woman president, she said, “Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the mission of Chamber Music America.” She continued, “The membership of the Board of Directors reflects this commitment. Currently, over 50% of the members of the Board of Directors identify as ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American). I hope that more arts organizations recruit more leaders of color to broaden the perspectives represented.”