Kevin Bartram, director of the UMW Philharmonic Orchestra, recently completed a two-year term as president of the College Orchestra Directors Association, or CODA. CODA is the world’s largest association of college orchestra directors, with members from 40 states and 12 countries in Europe, Asia, South America and Australia.
During Bartram’s tenure, CODA’s membership increased by 20%, and the organization expanded internationally with cultural and podium exchanges (Bartram traveled last year to Argentina). Its annual national conference increased in attendance, as well. Bartram formed a major research alliance with the Library of Congress called “Unearthing America’s Musical Treasures.” He presented his initial findings on the project, with some 12 major discoveries, to the conference last weekend.
Bartram’s successor, Kory Katseanes from Brigham Young University, recognized him and led a standing ovation during the national conference in Washington, D.C., last weekend. The conference, organized by Bartram, featured performances by the Baltimore Symphony, the National Symphony (and a private session with Maestro Eschenbach), a private tour of musical treasures at the Library of Congress and a performance by the United States Air Force Orchestra.
Bartram ascended into the national spotlight four years ago with his election as national vice president. He led an effort to write a strategic plan and create a new website, which he has managed. In addition, he created a new financial system, a world-class online library of resources and a new business plan.
Bartram is now immediate past-president of the organization, and will help guide the new leadership into the future.