Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
Our Initiatives in the Workplace and Music Education
At Conn Selmer, we know that music brings people together and helps make our society stronger. We believe music from all places and all people is important to help understand one another and the world around us. That is why we believe it is our company’s responsibility to help make sure everyone can enjoy great musical experiences. We're working hard to help people who haven't had as many chances to be part of music.
Our actions show what we believe. Here are some of the things we're doing to make this happen.
Internal Initiatives
- Establishment of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion DEI Committee to cultivate a culture of belonging and collaboration within our workplace.
- Actively promote research sharing and dialogue on our company-wide employee platform.
- Provide diverse virtual and in-person opportunities for employees to engage with one another, including but not limited to discussion forums, workshops, guest speakers, and cultural events.
- Offer employees the chance to experience a wide range of musical performances that reflect diverse voices and genres.
- Maintain accountability by regularly assessing progress and implementing necessary measures to address any gaps in our DEI initiatives.
Conn Selmer Staff Celebrate Make Music Day 2024
External Actions for Education
Expand educational resources and materials to include instructional videos, interviews, and performances about our instruments and the manufacturing process, and the musicians of all backgrounds and genres who play them.
Performance of Conn Selmer and Steinway Artists performing “Up, Over and Out” in the Rudy Van Gelder Studio.
Sean Jones and Summer Camargo | Bach Brass
Jaleel Shaw | Henri SELMER Paris Saxophones
Bryan Carter | Ludwig Drums
Christian Sands | Steinway & Sons
And special guest bassist: Yasushi Nakamura
- Foster diversity within educational clinicians and support organizations, like United Sound, to champion inclusivity in music programs for students with special needs and advance inclusive teaching practices across diverse racial, socio-economic, and neurodiverse communities.
- Broaden sponsorship of student music performance opportunities to include the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) such as the HBCU National Band and Orchestra Director’s Annual Consortium.
- Strengthen collaboration with Historically Black Colleges and Universities as well as other minority serving institutions and organizations.
- Heighten support for traditional style marching competitions, such as US Bands Clinics and Events and the Pepsi HBCU National Battle of the Bands.
Conn Selmer proudly supports music education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and serves as a sponsor of the HBCU Culture Legacy Foundation Battle of the Bands.
- Extend internship opportunities to students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
- Conduct regular assessment and implementation of website functionality and content to ensure accessibility for all individuals, aligning with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, level AA criteria.
- Amplify marginalized and underrepresented artists, focusing on people of color, Indigenous individuals, BIPOC, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and womxn through intentional promotion and support initiatives.
Conn Selmer Juneteenth Celebration
- Utilize our platform to showcase diverse artists who exemplify artistic innovation and musical excellence, thereby contributing to greater inclusivity and representation in the industry.
Queen Cora Coleman discusses her partnership with Ludwig Musser, commitment to DEIA and HBCUs.
In Closing
We thank everyone who has offered thoughts, feedback, and pushed us to become our best selves. We may make mistakes along the way and want to be held accountable for our actions. We are open to engaging in dialogue and welcome your feedback on our collective journey to make a real and lasting difference.
Stephen Zapf
President & CEO
Conn Selmer, Inc.