Free & Open to the Public | Registration Required
The School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at RPI, in conjunction with Albany Symphony Orchestra, New York State Canal Corporation, and New York Power Authority, would like to present Reflections on Waterways, a symposium which revisits the various celebratory performances done along the route of the Erie Canal commemorating the 200th anniversary of the waterway, with commentary from several guest speakers.
Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal was the largest state-funded public works project of the 19th century. It was the first navigable waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean, via the Hudson River, to the Great Lakes, reducing transportation costs across the Appalachians. Dubbed, "the nations first super highway," it also accelerated the Westward expansion of the United States.
Today, the Erie Canal is primarily a tourist attraction with recreational vehicles using the waterway. However, it's legacy is still felt. Several museums dedicated to its history line the corridor. In 2000, Congress designated the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor to protect and promote the system.
Event Description
This event reflects on the Albany Symphony’s Water Music New York: More Voices collaboration with the New York State Canal Corporation. RPI HASS School Professors and current students will present on work related to intersectional themes of music, history, ecology, and technology, with input from the Albany Symphony and NYSCC.
Schedule
9:30 AM — Morning Refreshments
Coffee and light refreshments available in the CBIS lobby
10:00 AM — Welcome and Introduction
Rebecca Dorge, Provost RPI
Brian Stratton & Rebecca Hughes, NYS Canal Corp
Will Pedigo, WMHT VP Chief Content and Engagement Officer
WMHT: The Canal That Sparked America s Engineering Revolution
10:25 AM — Presentation: How Horizontal and Vertical Waters Shaped Troy s Past and Present.
Chris Tozzi | Senior Lecturer of Science and Technology Studies, RPI
10:40 AM — Introduction to Albany Symphony Screenings
WMHT: What Happens When a Historic Waterway Inspires a Modern Symphony?
Screening: Earth and Water (2024) Clarice Assad, Schoharie, NY
Introduction: Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at RPI and the Music Program
William Gibbons | Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Dean, RPI
10:55 AM — Presentation: Ecological Engineering interplay of earth and water engineering, design, degradation, and restoration
Kate Galloway | Assistant Professor, Games and Experiential Media, RPI
11:10 AM — Screening: Canton Tea Man s Tale (2024) - Dai Wei, Waterloo, NY
Introduction: David Alan Miller
11:25 AM — Presentation: Music Technology and Live Performance
Rob Hamilton | Associate Professor and Head of Arts, RPI
11:40 AM — Student Presentations
Moderated by: Justine Heilner
12:00 PM — Closing Remarks:
David Alan Miller, Angelyn Chandler, Dean Will Gibbons
Thank you to our partners:
