Notice Board

Trans Allyship in Challenging Times
Guest Speaker: Dr. Nora Wilson
March 24 | 1 PM | Room W767, University Centre for the Arts
Open to Faculty of Fine Arts students, all are welcome to attend

Transgender people are misunderstood, mislabeled, and misrepresented daily by politicians and religious figures resulting in harassment and violence. In this talk, Dr. Nora Wilson, an out and proud trans woman, will share her story and provide guidance on being an ally to all 2SLGBTQIA+ people in these challenging times.

About the Guest Speaker
Nora Wilson is a trombonist and the Associate Professor of Low Brass at Brandon University. She has performed with several professional ensembles including the Winnipeg and Regina Symphony Orchestras, the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, and the Brandon Chamber Players. Although the traditions of classical and jazz trombone will always be important to her, Nora’s true passion lies in creating new music for her instrument. She has commissioned several new works from Canadian composers, including a new piece for trombone and 8-bit accompaniment by Kenley Kristofferson that was premiered at the 2024 International Trombone Festival. Nora has been exploring her relationship to Truth and Reconciliation through a Canada Council for the Arts funded project called Sonic Dreaming. With her collaborator, Peter Morin, they are developing a land-based methodology for music and art making. This work has been deeply personal and transformative. Through being on the land, both she and Peter have started to develop and plan recording projects and art installations that will be shared/presented in the next couple of years. Lastly, Nora is a founding member of Transfixed, an experimental music ensemble with Brandon University alum, Koda Maxon.

Nora is a fierce advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. She appears frequently on discussion panels and in presentations advocating for the empowerment gender diverse people. Her talks center on the role of music and art in her own transition as well as the need for educators to foster safe spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ students. Nora has presented at the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Festival and the Tempo: Manitoba Music Conference.