As a member of the greater music education community, chances are you’ve come across the topic of programming for diversity in one way or another. Maybe you’re already programming with diversity in mind. Maybe you’re just getting started. Or maybe you’re asking, “What’s the big deal?”
No matter your stage in the process, today’s episode aims to address how to be more intentional with program planning, offer resources for doing so, and answer questions such as “When does it cross the line back to inequality?”
I bring on two guests today for their expertise—my good friend Jenny Neff; professor, conductor, and member of the Women Band Directors International; and Christian Folk, the man who created the Diverse Composers of Wind Band Music Database. As of now, the database has 711 pieces from LGBTQIA+ composers, 1,245 selections from women composers, and 1,375 from composers of color!
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Topics Covered
- Why is there such a push for programming diverse composers?
- Resources to access for getting started
- Tips for program planning
- Tokenism vs. intentional programming
- Advocacy and awareness
Liked this podcast? Check out more Music Ed Mentor Podcasts.
Helpful Links:
- Institute for Composer Diversity
- And We Were Heard
- Programming Resources from Alex Shapiro
- Jodie Blackshaw, Advocate for Diversity
Grade 1 Band Recommendations:
- Articulate March, by Nicole Piunno
- Awaken, by Cait Nishimura
- Last Stage to Red Rock, by Jennifer Jolley
Grade 2 Band Recommendations:
- The Devil’s Worship, by Kimberly Archer
- Catalyst, by Daniel Montoya
- Chasing Sunlight, by Cait Nishimura
Grade 3 Band Recommendations: