Dr. Katie Carlisle recently completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Music (2008). She currently teaches general music to undergraduate and graduate students at the School of Music at Georgia State University. Her previous position at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Education included teaching music to primary-junior and junior-intermediate Bachelor of Education teacher candidates. Her doctoral dissertation explores the formative and experiential dimensions of the social-emotional climate of secondary school music settings offering alternative learning experiences in addition to large ensemble performance. Her other research interests include multiple musical literacies and connections between school music-making and the community.

Adria R. Hoffman is a doctoral candidate in curriculum and instruction/ music education at the University of Maryland, College Park. She eared her M.Ed. in social foundations and policy from The University Of Virginia and her B.S. in music education from the University of Maryland, College Park. She has presented papers at the ASCD Annual Conference, Virginia Music Educators Association Annual Conference, and the Musica Ficta/ Lived Realities conference (on which this article is based). Her research interests focus on the intersection of curriculum policy and the music student experience, specifically addressing issues of identity and equity.

Brenda Joy Lem: I have been an artist activist for 20 years. Issues of race, class and gender have consistently been addressed in my work. I see my work, and, increasingly, the way in which I choose to work, as part of a political engagement to nurture peace and social change. In Wasabi Daiko and RAW I taught women (most came with no musical experience) taiko for over ten years and watched them begin to self-identify as artists, musicians and activists. Inner Truth Taiko Dojo is just over three years old. It takes years for the body to relax and surrender into a deep, solidly grounded stance. Just as music unfolds and develops over time, Inner Truth Taiko Dojo cannot be seen all at a glance. We are involved in an evolving, living thing. The different people who join will bring their lives to our practice and will influence it as they themselves begin to embody the quintessential values and philosophy of the Dojo in their developing stance and playing form.

Kay Kleinerman has a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Mills College, an M.A. in Music Education from NYU and a Bachelor of Music from Cleveland Institute of Music. Kay's credentials include teaching at West Valley College, De Anza College, American Musical Theatre, Marin Theater Company, American Conservatory Theatre and Community School of Music and Arts. She also developed a highly praised singing program for women in a residential substance abuse treatment center. Kay is currently on the faculties of the San Francisco Community Music Center, San Jose State University's Extended Studies Division and the UC Santa Cruz Extension Division.

Jenna Lee Moore is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Music in Music Education and her Master of Arts in Teaching at Westminster Choir College of Rider University. She is currently working on an autobiographical narrative, examining how her own music education impacted her gender identity and gender formation. She is also studying how these experiences impacted her teacher-self, and to what extent participation in musical ensembles impacts gender identity and self-worth.

Colleen Whidden is a doctoral student in music education at the University of Calgary. She has worked with the University of Calgary Symphonic Band, the University of Calgary Chamber Choir and recently formed the University of Calgary Operetta Company. Colleen earned her masters and bachelors in music education from the University of Alberta. She served as a BCMEA table officer and facilitated BCMEA provincial music educators' conferences. She is currently serving with the Alberta Choral Federation. Colleen is a frequent contributor to professional journals as well as national and international music education conferences.