An American Music Method
April 21st, 2008 by vincebates
We need an elementary and middle school music method that reflects the rich and complex American musical heritage without making it subordinate to elite European classical traditions. I am envisioning a method with American Roots Musicing and American Popular Musicing at the heart of instruction. Students might choose to explore elite European classical music, but hopefully with the understanding that there were also European folk traditions that contributed more deeply to the American musical mix. Students might also be encouraged to explore diverse musicings from around the world–those that may have contributed to American music and those that might not have yet. Music, in this method, would not be understood as a collection of musical works to be studied and revered, but a vibrant and evolving social practice. In order to reflect the give-and-take and everyday-ness of American music, the method would be loose collection of practices and musicings rather than a strictly ordered and unquestioningly adhered to sequence.
I’m really quite serious about this and have begun outlining an American Music Method and envisioning what it might look like in practice. Please send your thoughts if you are interested.
How would this be accomplished in band class? I think it would be nice to integrate American brass band traditions. Even though brass bands in America were influenced by the great European tradition, they enjoyed popularity in American communities for a long time. Wouldn’t it be neat to see brass bands (we can go ahead and include woodwinds…I guess…) pop up around the country?
http://www.fcbb.net/Bandroom.htm