lifelong engagement in music Respecting Others Through


Repertoire Selection Kristin Tjornehoj, WMEA State Chair, Lifelong Engagement in Music


If we really want to be inclusive, it is time to balance every program and presentation with repertoire that in- cludes underrepre- sented themes and composers. Have you programmed a


work intentionally that represents a com- poser who is a part of the LGBTQ com- munity? How about starting with choosing a work written by a female? Have you studied music that represents composers with skin color other than white? How do you choose quality music not just to “sat- isfy” what you have known as “standard” or traditional, yet speaks beyond your comfort or experiences in the past?


Our only constant is change. We have shown resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic as musicians and teachers. Adaptable music, singing/playing with masks, virtual concerts, online lessons and rehearsals, embracing new technology and celebrating change that reflects America’s systemic racism… No one could have possibly prepared the world for how we must create new systems for survival on every level… all at once. As musicians and leaders, we can continue this trend of adaptability, change, technology adapta- tion and lifelong learning. You can and you will in order to survive and thrive in 2021 and beyond.


Leading by example as an inclusive musi- cian requires researching music across the globe that represents people from other cultures and backgrounds, and playing their music. This is now a requirement for reality in our culture. Honestly, it is about time.


As a female conductor, I have spent my career working to be the best in my sphere and developing skills anywhere possible. I promise I could share many stories of inequity due to gender along the way. Choosing not to focus on what obstacles were in my path, I embraced the people and places that supported innovation, cre- ativity, and welcomed my skills as a “fe- male conductor” and teacher. In 2017, my career highlights included being the first female conductor to lead bands in Spain and the Czech Republic as a guest artist. This was UNESCO International Year of the Women. I had to be invited seven times by the folks in Spain before accepting the invitation. Crazy, I know. The reason I ac- cepted was my host Toni Blasco Lambies made a strategic effort to lead a program of all female composers – conducted and rehearsed by a female conductor. After he told me this intention, I was committed. It was a fabulous spring guest conducting professional bands abroad. The Prague Castle Wind Band had never had a female in the band until 2019, let alone a conduc- tor. The American Spring Festival hosted music by American composers. This event became one of the musical highlights of my life. Conducting an all-male (except two guest female players) military band at the Prague Castle is an event that will not be forgotten. Amazing.


Diversity now is a part of my walk as a teacher and musician. I think of inclusion in programming, planning, teaching and learning. The composer that has most affected my 2020 pandemic year is Alex Shapiro. She writes music with electro- acoustic tracks that were the foundation of the online Shell Lake Arts Center Camp for summer 2020. Alex has served as a composer for the Creative Reper- toire Initiative project that Frank Ticheli started last spring. This “flex” music idea is here to stay. Alex, and many others,


42


“…an inclusive musician requires researching music


across the globe that represents people


from other cultures and backgrounds, and playing their music.”


have been brought to light by offering interviews, seminars, and writing music that groups can play virtually along with the tracks. Her innovation conceived elec- tronic sounds well before we “required” it for survival as conductors during the pandemic.


At UW-River Falls, we are celebrating our 55th


guest artist for the Commissioned


Composer Project. This year is the first African American composer: Evan Wil- liams. Better late than never. From this point forward, everyone must be sensitive to all facets of diversity and learn to accept all people as musicians and artists who make the world a better place.


Expand your horizons and embrace the respect of others by repertoire selection, study and program performances. Good luck as you continue to learn and grow. Life is what you make it, and I choose to make lemonade.


Dr. Kristin Tjornehoj is a music professor at UW-River Falls. Email: kristin.tjornehoj@uwrf.edu


April 2021


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