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How do you program music for ensembles?

How do you program for ensembles? Jordan Randall Smith posted the following message on Twitter on 12/26/19 (along with some great connected questions): Many conversations about programming in music education tend to focus on the “what” (the repertoire). So, questions about principles and processes are refreshing! I suggest checking out the thread for varied perspectives on programming music. Here are some thoughts regarding programming music for an ensemble in an educational context. Consider these ideas as starting points to expand… Read More »How do you program music for ensembles?

Making Positive Impact Through Music

Making Positive Impact Through Music Music educators have a role in facilitating responses, music learning and teaching in relation to hate and bigotry occurring throughout contemporary society.  Valerie Strauss suggests that “The first thing teachers should do when school starts is talk about hatred in America” and provides numerous resources for doing so. Music plays an important role in helping people make sense of, meaning, of, and respond to the world. Music programs can play an important role in supporting young… Read More »Making Positive Impact Through Music

Wayne Shorter’s and Herbie Hancock’s open letter to artists

Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock recently wrote an open letter to artists that is definitely worth a read and would be worth sharing with students. It is particularly appropriate for students in that it is addressed to the next generation of artists on how to respond to recent global events and contemporary society. Whatever students’ plans for the future, the suggestions could serve as organizers or starting points for projects in music ensembles or classes. Much of what Wayne Shorter and Herbie… Read More »Wayne Shorter’s and Herbie Hancock’s open letter to artists

Christmas concerts on Chanukah and considering issues of cultural sensitivity. . .

Around this time of year, the Music Teachers Facebook Group is full of posts about Christmas concerts, religion and music education, sacred music in schools, and associated issues. The majority of the posts often position Christmas as the default holiday during wintertime and focus of concerts that occur this time of year. Some posts or comments even dismiss perspectives that question this focus or admonish students who are uncomfortable with foci on Christmas and related music. I’m left wondering how well music education is doing at addressing issues of understanding, cultural sensitivity, and meaning making in relation to these types of conversations.Read More »Christmas concerts on Chanukah and considering issues of cultural sensitivity. . .

Inspiration or appropriation? Impetus for analysis

NPR’s weekend edition recently featured the story Inspiration Or Appropriation? Behind Music Copyright Lawsuits. The story leads with the question: “Where do you draw the line between inspiration and appropriation when it comes to musical compositions?” This is a fabulous generative, essential, or driving question that could lead to variegated investigations, projects, and student problem solving. As with similar reportage, this story features the perspectives of musicologists, in this case Judith Finell. This and similar generative questions can provide an impetus for… Read More »Inspiration or appropriation? Impetus for analysis