THREE CRITICAL CONCERNS (Part 2) by Jim Smisek
Choice of literature is perhaps the most important professional decision we make for our programs. I believe that we must find a balance between what will challenge our students and what will benefit the constituency. The constituency is the music program, school program, school district, and the community outside the school that supports our programs. We must do our “homework” to discover what will educate our students and also educate our constituency. We must be careful not to “over educate” with literature that is not reaching to all members of this community; however, we have an obligation to establish/support the validity of music education and build the relationship with the community for their support. A major area of support especially considers money! Without the financial support of our community, we will not be able to purchase the music or instruments needed to perform. It is common sense!
The choice of literature directly relates to our philosophy of music education. We must establish our philosophy and abide by what we have determined. Ray Cramer suggested that we should consider, “What comprises music of artistic merit?” He gave us a list of 7 items to consider: DOES THE MUSIC HAVE…
1.a well conceived formal structure?
2.creative melodies and counterlines? 3.harmonic imagination? 4.rhythmic vitality?
5.contrast in all musical elements?
6.scoring which best represents the full potential for
beautiful tone and timbre?
7.an emotional impact?
When considering literature for your ensembles, here are a few suggestions: I. Concert Band
A. State lists are a fantastic resource for you to use. Obviously we must pick music from the Alabama list for Music Performance Assessment (MPA). However, we may use the other state lists as a resource that may include repertoire not on our state list.
1.AL (
http://www.alabamamea.org/bandmasters/) Click on Cumulative List
2.Texas (
http://www.uil.utexas.edu/music/pml.html) 3.Florida (
http://www.flmusiced.org/fba/dnn/)
4.Georgia (
http://www.gmea.org/Divisions/Band/Band.htm) Click on LGPE Music List.
B. Books are another excellent resource for us to use. The list below highlights a few that I have found extremely helpful during my career. 1.Teaching Music Through Performance in Band compiled and edited by Richard Miles, GIA Publications. 2. The Works of John Philip Sousa by Paul E. Brierly, Integrity Press.
3. March Music Notes by Norman E. Smith, Program Note Press.
4. Band Music Notes by Norman Smith and Albert Stoutamire, Program Note Press.
Membership Questions Address Changes Add an Email Address
Contact NAfME 1-800-828-0229
memberservices@nafme2.org 60
5. Music for Concert Band by Joseph Kreines, Florida Music Service.
6.Guides To Band Masterworks by Robert J. Garofalo, Meredith Music Publications.
C. Colleagues are perhaps your BEST RESOURCE! Contact those directors who have “been around the block”. These educators can help you understand the importance of choosing the appropriate level music for your specific ensemble. You may have a group that has no double reed instruments and the level of your players is an average beginner player. What will you do? Ask that colleague what he/she would do! They have been there and done that! You want your students to have a successful experience that is rewarding both on the stage and in the classroom. Ask those college guys because they have a lot more
October/November 2011
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