Sewanee Faculty on Ideas that Inspire

Musician. Aviator. Philosopher. Actor. Active in their fields of expertise outside of the classroom, our faculty bring a wide array of perspectives to their work as educators.

We asked them to tell us about their passions—the ideas that intrigue them, that stoke the fires of their creativity, that they could talk about forever. Here’s what they told us.

Listening to Nature

What if we listened to nature like it was a concert we’d bought a $100 ticket to? Professor David Haskell explores how the songs of insects and birds reveal deep connections between us, our evolution, and the more-than-human world. Watch the full video to discover what listening to nature’s symphony can teach us.

Reading Fiction in Unprecedented Times

Can reading fantasy ground us in unprecedented times? Professor Britt Threatt reflects on how reading about monsters, magic, and the apocalypse can lead us to new perspectives on real-world challenges—and names her top five fantasy book recommendations.

COMING APRIL 9

What Does a Conductor Actually Do?

Why does an orchestra need a conductor? Professor Mario Alejandro Torres discusses how he does much more than keep the time, how he blends the sounds of an orchestra's different sections into one, and how sometimes the most powerful sound is none at all.

COMING APRIL 23

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