Where General Music and Community
Meet: Partnerships and Collaborations Suzanne L. Burton
Partnerships and collaborations bring people together around a common theme, music education notwithstanding. As our profession finds itself at a political juncture, where all of public education is under scrutiny, musi- cal partnerships and collaborations are more important than ever. Participating in school- community partnerships or collaborations strengthens general music programs, building community support for music education. In the spirit of achieving more by working together, partnerships and collaborations do not replace a school’s music education curriculum or certi- fied music teachers; they augment the musical experiences of school students.
Partnership or Collaboration?
Although each represents musical possibilities for involvement in general music programs, the terms partnership and collaboration are not synonymous. In a partnership, participants have an agreement that advances mutual or separate interests. Different than a partnership, a collaboration occurs when participants work together collectively to accomplish shared goals. In both instances, a memorandum of understanding should be articulated, preferably in written form so that each entity has a record of the purpose of the partnership or collabora- tion, how it will be carried out, ways to assess the educative value for school students, and benefits to the music program and the other entity.
Community Outreach and Community Engagement
Community outreach is a short-term provision of services to people who may not otherwise have access to them. Groups or individuals providing outreach meet a perceived need of a particular population, provided onsite, at the place where the need is identified. Often, part- nerships are formed with community outreach in mind. On the other hand, community en- gagement implies a strong level of commitment from the parties who are involved. Stakehold-
ers have equal status due to the collaborative nature of community engagement. Whereas, community outreach provides exposure and enrichment, community engagement implies teamwork over time.
Community Partnerships and Collabo- rations in General Music Education
Community Partnerships that Enrich General Music
Possibilities for community partnerships abound for elementary general music. They range from outreach to engagement depending on their educational mission. Following are descriptions of programs that are outreach- oriented.
Local Music Organizations. In many com- munities, folk music groups may assemble because the musicians enjoy playing their instruments in an ensemble. Mariachi bands or harmonica, dulcimer, and banjo guilds are delighted to provide unique musical experienc- es for students in general music. Often, these groups are interested in educating students about the evolution of their instruments and the historical and cultural contexts surrounding the music that they play. The ensembles typically give interactive performances, playing idiom- atic music as well as familiar folk songs to which students can sing and move along. Many of these groups do not charge a fee but request a donation.
Professional and Community Orchestra/ Band Programs. Most orchestras have an edu- cation component within their organizations. Frequently, they offer “explorer” concerts for students during the school day that features repertoire and programming easily relatable to students. Often, a one-time, in-school visit by ensemble members is included. The programs may be of no charge, although generally there is a nominal fee per student, with grants and foundations assisting to defray costs. If the
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General Music
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