Programming
Selecting repertoire is an important process, as repertoire is a significant part of a teacher’s curriculum. The pieces selected by music teachers should be used to create a framework for students’ learning in order to provide quality, lasting musical experiences and foster students’ musical growth. Selecting and performing high quality repertoire is essential for students to experience music in an impactful and memorable manner.
I feel strongly about the importance of selecting representative repertoire for ensemble programs. It is true that repertoire should be artistic and of high quality. Simultaneously, it is essential that programs represent all people and experiences in our world, especially those from marginalized communities. The argument that conductors "only choose music of quality" while only choosing repertoire from one voice belittles the incredible work that composers of diverse backgrounds have been creating throughout the history of our profession.
Below is a sample of resources I use and recommend for representative programming & culturally competent teaching:
Mexican Repertoire Initiative at Dartmouth
Programming Resources from Alex Shapiro
Institute for Composer Diversity