"GO ON, Tell Your Story!": LaToya A. Webb Unveils Empowering Narratives of Women Band Directors

Feb. 2, 2024

Wilfrid Laurier Assistant Professor LaToya A. Webb has unveiled her groundbreaking anthology, "GO ON, Tell Your Story!", a collection of narratives from women band directors, including Faculty of Music Dean, Cynthia Johnston Turner. Webb's inspiration for this project emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic's onset while she contemplated her musical journey and recognized the absence of diverse female voices in the wind band conducting sphere.

"GO ON, Tell Your Story!" fills this void, spotlighting the triumphs, struggles and wisdom of women in band directing. Three years in the making, Webb's vision, along with co-curator, Julia L. Baumanis materializes, offering a platform for female band directors to impart advice and encouragement while educating others about unique experiences.

"I wanted to create a space for sharing and listening," Webb explained. "This book empowers not only women in the profession but also invites everyone into the spirit of allyship."

The book's themes of Pride, Affirmation, Togetherness, and Happiness resonate universally. Webb believes these narratives will connect readers to shared experiences, fostering understanding and empathy. The anthology serves as a safe haven, presenting poignant, uplifting, and sometimes challenging stories.

Moreover, "GO ON, Tell Your Story!" transcends a mere collection of narratives. Webb and Baumanis ingeniously supplements the book with affirmational quotes, an inspirational playlist, and reflective spaces, inviting readers to engage actively in personal growth and community building.

"This is more than a book; it's a transformative experience," Webb expressed. "The affirmations and reflection spaces aim to empower readers, urging them to break barriers hindering their success."

This anthology promises to resonate deeply within the music profession, inspiring inclusivity, empathy, and personal growth. "GO ON, Tell Your Story!" stands as a testament to Webb's dedication to amplifying marginalized voices and fostering a more diverse and supportive musical landscape.