orchestra Embracing Diversity in the
Orchestra Classroom Elisabeth Deussen, WMEA State Chair, Orchestra
The orchestra class- room provides a rich environment to explore, study, cel- ebrate and embrace diversity. By design- ing educational out- comes with a focus on learning about and embracing dif-
ferences, teachers have the opportunity to highlight the value of diversity and to deepen and strengthen students’ aware- ness. This inclusionary and well-rounded focus results in a rich, vibrant classroom that is safe and comfortable for all students. Additionally, focusing on the qualities that make us different shifts the teacher from
the front of the room as students share their knowledge and expertise.
Embracing Racial Diversity Students should embrace the qualities that make them unique. In the end, com- monalities outweigh differences, but our diversity is to be celebrated. An in-hand analogy is the fact that string instruments are different from each other in color, size and range. The instruments look and sound beautiful individually, and two instruments of the same range can play a gorgeous duet, but a deeper, fuller beauty results when different instruments join each other in harmony. Diversity adds a richness and complexity to music, as it does everything in life.
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“Diversity adds a richness and complexity to music, as it does
everything in life.” Embracing Ethnic Diversity
The ethnic diversity represented in or- chestra classrooms will inspire and guide the exploration and study of musical elements and traditions representative of different ethnic groups. Rather than sim- ply programming repertoire composed by people of different ethnicities, orchestra teachers can design learning experiences and outcomes that focus on rhythms, modes or tunes representative of different cultures. Focusing on these fundamentals will build students’ skills on their instru- ments; tracing the origin and development of these elements as they have traveled and evolved will open students’ minds and ears to the music around them. This, in turn, can serve as a springboard, inviting students to draw parallels to the origin and development of traditions representative of their ethnic background.
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Embracing Diversity of Home Language The orchestra classroom is a perfect place to acknowledge the expertise and fluency of students who speak a language other than English at home. Whether studying a simple folk tune or a work of poetry set to music, students can translate the text from their native language and provide historical or cultural background. These contributions will enrich the musical ex- perience for all students.
September 2018
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