Fostering equality and empowering young women to play confidently together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SWIMS?

The Southeastern Women in Music Symposium (SWIMS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to increasing female representation in the music profession. We provide a space where young women can thrive, connect, and grow through shared musical and personal experiences.

Who can participate?

SWIMS welcomes all high school and undergraduate musicians who identify as women. We are proudly committed to creating an inclusive space where every participant feels seen, supported and welcomed.

What makes SWIMS different?

SWIMS is more than just an honor band. Our events combine collaborative music-making, mentorship, and personal and professional growth. In addition to rehearsing and performing music by women composers under the direction of a prominent female conductor, participants attend topic sessions and workshops that build essential skills — like interview techniques, public speaking, and leadership — to help prepare them for success in any professional setting.

Why focus on women composers?

Women composers are significantly underrepresented in wind band repertoire. This means many students rarely experience the rich and diverse voices women bring to music.

The expressive freedom composers take is a direct reflection of their personal experiences. It’s vital to select composers from diverse backgrounds to ensure a variety of voices that better reflect the diverse students in our classrooms.

Representation matters deeply: when students see women leading and composing, it sends a powerful message — If they can do it, so can I. That’s why intentional programming matters. By performing works composed by women, SWIMS broadens the musical landscape and provides students with role models they can relate to.

How does SWIMS support future composers?

Each year, SWIMS commissions a new wind band piece from a young woman composer. The work is funded by proceeds from our final concert and is premiered at the next year’s symposium — a full-circle investment in the future of music.

To deepen the experience, the commissioned composer is also invited to attend and participate in the symposium as a member of the ensemble. This provides students with a powerful example of what’s possible — offering representation they can see and mentorship from a peer who is just a few steps ahead in their journey.

Fostering equality and empowering young women to play confidently together.

Our Mission

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2025 SYMPOSIUM OPENS SOON

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS

It showed me a different viewpoint on how people can learn. In this woman-led event, I was encouraged by everyone. This approach led me to learn more, love more, and be more; not only did I grow as a musician but as a person.

SWIMS is like an annual reminder that I deserve to take up space and am more than capable of growing and working in the music industry. The topic sessions are most inspiring for me, as they are tangible proof that women can and are succeeding every day.

I've always found that women-composed pieces have moved me more and have therefore given me a greater experience when playing. I feel like I can resonate more with the composer and the meaning they've given their work because I can relate to some of their experiences.

We all came from different backgrounds, but we shared a lot of common experiences. It was really nice to be a part of such a supportive and empowering community, and it was amazing to see what beautiful music we could produce together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fostering equality and empowering young women to play confidently together.

Our Mission

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2025 SYMPOSIUM OPENS SOON

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS

It showed me a different viewpoint on how people can learn. In this woman-led event, I was encouraged by everyone. This approach led me to learn more, love more, and be more; not only did I grow as a musician but as a person.

SWIMS is like an annual reminder that I deserve to take up space and am more than capable of growing and working in the music industry. The topic sessions are most inspiring for me, as they are tangible proof that women can and are succeeding every day.

I've always found that women-composed pieces have moved me more and have therefore given me a greater experience when playing. I feel like I can resonate more with the composer and the meaning they've given their work because I can relate to some of their experiences.

We all came from different backgrounds, but we shared a lot of common experiences. It was really nice to be a part of such a supportive and empowering community, and it was amazing to see what beautiful music we could produce together.

Frequently Asked Questions

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