orchestra Keeping Students at the Center
of Instructional Design Elisabeth Deussen, WMEA State Chair, Orchestra
The 2020–21 school year brought a heightened aware- ness to inequities in our society. The na- tional consciousness was jolted by the stark reality of fami- lies’ dependence on public schools for
support during the pandemic and by outrage over racial inequities brought to light by incidents such as the horrendous killing of George Floyd. Acknowledge- ment of these economic, social and racial disparities was central in curricular design for the year.
Teaching plans, revisited through an SEL lens, prioritized the cultivation of affirm- ing and equitable classroom communities. Educators were empowered to create ob- jectives and assessments that ensured all students felt seen, heard, valued and con- nected. Educational equity and inclusive- ness, rather than standardized outcomes, defined the 2020–21 school year.
This vantage refocused the art of teaching on celebrating and connecting with each individual in the classroom while provid- ing a powerful backdrop to learn about the reality of racism and other systemic inequities. As we move into the 2021–22 school year, I hope that music curricula will continue to be guided by thoughtful choices of repertoire, inclusive units of
study, and personally meaningful assess- ments that keep students at the center of instructional design.
Representative Repertoire
Studying music from a variety of cultures is imperative to a well-rounded music edu- cation; it is particularly powerful to study music to which students in the classroom personally connect. Thankfully, there is a concentrated effort to publish resources and repertoire of different cultures with careful attention to authenticity. At the same time, the fact that the most prevalent traditional orchestral repertoire was composed by white, male, Euro-centric composers needn’t preclude the study of those pieces, rather it can help to enlighten students about inequities that have always existed.
Music continues to be a positive influence. It strengthens overall academic performance and improves emotional and
mental well-being. Since 1948, we have adapted to the needs of musicians at every stage and continue to offer resources to keep the music playing. Visit us at
HeidMusic.com or in person to find out how we can work in harmony.
HeidMusic.com
14
September 2021
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