Audio Performance Archive
Purpose and Content – The Audio Performance Archive of Symposium is an audio resource of refereed performances of music from all time periods and all cultures. The content of the Audio Performance Archive represents the broad and comprehensive interests of musicians in all areas of the field of music.
The Editor – After consultation with members of the Board of Editors, the Board of Directors, and other members of The College Music Society, the General Editor of College Music Symposium will make a recommendation or recommendations to the Board of Directors for the position of Editor of the Audio Performance Archive. The Editor is usually appointed for a three-year term.
Responsibility of the Editor – The Editor encourages performance submissions of audio files of any length from the CMS membership. It is the responsibility of the Editor to receive audio files proposed for inclusion in the archive, to distribute materials to the reviewers, to make final decisions on acceptance of audio files, and to regulate the content of the Audio Performance Archive.
Editorial Board – An Editorial Board will consist of members appointed by the General Editor in consultation with the Editor of the Audio Performance Archive. A balance of performance areas and interests will be represented on the Editorial Board.
Review Objectives – The Audio Performance Archive meets the need of musicians to share their work with (a) their colleagues internationally and (b) the general public. By making available audio performances, The College Music Society shares with both the music field and the public (a) performances of the musics of the world, (b) the fruits of creative activity, (c) informed opinion concerning recent and historical music and music-related literature, and (d) the work of music faculty in higher education and independent scholars. Taken together, through these efforts, broadly defined, the music profession may present significant work and accomplishments, and contribute to an informed citizenry.
Review Principles – Reviewers are expected to assess the stated or implied purpose of an audio performance and to identify its virtues. Likewise, notable flaws, such as poor presentation, disappointing omissions, substandard performance (e.g., squeaks, blats, bad intonation, unconvincing style), and conspicuous errors are identified but are not be berated in a mean-spirited manner. The performance under review is considered in light of what its presenter intended, not what the reviewer might have preferred. Reviews are to be fair and objective, and assess whether the audio (a) meets minimum standards of production quality and (b) presents its subject matter an a convincing manner.
Review Procedures – The Editor of the Audio Performance Archive, within two weeks of receipt of an audio proposal, shall determine its suitability for inclusion in College Music Symposium. The audio presentation to be reviewed will be forwarded to the Reviewer(s) of the Editor’s choice. Reviewers shall (1) receive the audio file and (2) provide a review to the Editor by an appropriate, agreed-upon time. The Editor will make a decision to accept or reject the audio. Decisions by the Editor are final. Upon acceptance of an audio file, the Editor will transmit the file to the Executive Office for posting to College Music Symposium.
Audio Indexing and Availability – Performances that comprise the Audio Performance Archive will be fully indexed (e.g., by subject, title, composer, dates, performer/lecturer, location), and will be available both to CMS members and to the general public via College Music Symposium.