Diversity, Equity, Inclusion - The Critical Good

Three New Alternatives to Ranked Instrumental Seating

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion / By Allison Russo

The traditional practice of placing musicians into ranked seating positions has been passed down from professional orchestras and military bands into school bands and orchestras over the decades. The specifics of procedures surrounding seating– including page turning, solos, placement within the ensemble, etc.– are numerous and often unfairly generalized to all orchestras or bands, when …

Three New Alternatives to Ranked Instrumental Seating Read More »

Thinking Styles in the Music Classroom

On the bridge of a starship, the captain begins her log entry as her crew checks routine readouts. “Captain’s log, stardate 8130.3…” Little beeps and boops from the computers around the bridge are heard in the background. The helmsman adjusts course to avoid the Klingon neutral zone at his captain’s orders. “Aye, sir.” The captain …

Thinking Styles in the Music Classroom Read More »

10+ Tips for Avoiding Cultural Appropriation in the Music Room

Leave a Comment / Diversity, Equity, Inclusion / By Allison Russo

So you’ve decided to include a unit, event, or piece of repertoire in your curriculum that is from a culture or genre that is new to you. First of all: GREAT! You are expanding your knowledge as a person, musician, and educator. You are setting a great example of lifelong learning. And most importantly, you …

10+ Tips for Avoiding Cultural Appropriation in the Music Room Read More »