Diversify!
Photo Credit: Noodle Photography
In 2019, I am still considered a "diverse" composer - because I'm female.
Composer and teacher, Heather Hoefle says "amazingly, in the composition world, being female still counts as 'diverse'." While shaking my head, I completely agree! This must change. For the benefit of our girls, *and* our boys - and our non-binary students, too. Music vendors have traditionally pushed wonderful music written primarily by one demographic. That is beginning to change, and I'm an enthusiastic proponent of ensuring that the music that graces the stands of performing artists should continue to evolve.
I began work on my first piece for Concert Band in April 2019 with the intent of providing more literature for Young Band by diverse composers. The Grade 6 Beginning Band gave the world premiere on 16 May at Singapore American School. Performances of the piece were also given the same night by the Grade 7 and Grade 8 Band students whose thoughtful feedback during the composition process shaped the piece.
Undaunted is a Grade 1 piece for Beginning Band. The inspiration for this composition came from trombonist, Abbie Conant, a fearless and relentless champion of equality, humanity, and peace. She is truly Undaunted. You can see a performance at the bottom of this page.
I began work on my first piece for Concert Band in April 2019 with the intent of providing more literature for Young Band by diverse composers. The Grade 6 Beginning Band gave the world premiere on 16 May at Singapore American School. Performances of the piece were also given the same night by the Grade 7 and Grade 8 Band students whose thoughtful feedback during the composition process shaped the piece.
Undaunted is a Grade 1 piece for Beginning Band. The inspiration for this composition came from trombonist, Abbie Conant, a fearless and relentless champion of equality, humanity, and peace. She is truly Undaunted. You can see a performance at the bottom of this page.
Resources for finding music by diverse composers
...And We Were Heard
Founded by Dr. Kaitlin Bove, this project creates quality recordings of works by traditionally under-represented composers.
Anna's Composer Database
Anna’s Composer Database is a curated list of compositions by historically underrepresented composers. Quickly find exceptional music to provide a well-rounded concert program.
ColorFULL Music
Australian composer, Jodie Blackshaw curates an amazing website championing composers from all walks of life and varied demographics. I promise you'll learn something new here!
Institute for Composer Diversity
The Composer Diversity Database is critical to the work I do. The students I teach come from all corners of the globe, and they *all* need to be able to imagine themselves in all roles in the music world, including composition. I draw from this database multiple times per year and encourage other directors to do the same.
Rob Deemer and Christian Michael Folk have spent unimaginable amounts of effort on these projects, and their work deserves attention. The website linked above has heaps of information, and Christian's spreadsheet is useful, too.
Rob Deemer and Christian Michael Folk have spent unimaginable amounts of effort on these projects, and their work deserves attention. The website linked above has heaps of information, and Christian's spreadsheet is useful, too.
Orchestra 4 All
Violinist Jo Nardolillo has a fantastic catalogue of works for orchestra by women.
Programming Resources from Alex Shapiro
Composer, Alex Shapiro has an entire page devoted to resources for programming diversity.
