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Date Posted: 20:02:22 01/31/07 Wed
Author: Chadsac
Subject: Restrictions on Repertoire

I've heard of schools that have required music teachers to include more diverse pieces to be politically correct. For example, if you're going to sing a Christian song for the Christmas concert (like O Holy Night), you have to sing a couple songs from other religions because it is viewed as discriminatory. Is this right? Wouldn't you, as that teacher someday, want to be able to choose your own repertoire? Isn't that your job and part of the joy that comes with it?

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Replies:

[> Re: Restrictions on Repertoire -- Nickie, 12:23:06 02/01/07 Thu [1]

I don't think that the focus is so much on what kinds of repertoire you choose as it is making sure that all students are exposed to diverse literature. Christian pieces are fine to use in concert, at contest, etc., as long as you aren't preaching Christianity to your students. To eliminate Christian (or religious) music from the choral curriculum all together, is to eliminate a HUGE part of music history!! It is nearly impossible to only sing secular music in a good choral program. We would be doing our students a major injustice! Rather, we must find ways to incorporate aspects of many diverse cultures and backgrounds to create a more holistic approach to choosing literature.


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[> Re: Restrictions on Repertoire -- Brian, 10:41:56 02/13/07 Tue [1]

I agree with the previous statement. To eliminate sacred music from any religion/culture would leave you with a very limited supply of music. However I beleive it is very important, especially at the high school level, to pick a diverse selection of reportoire to allow a wide range of the students interests to be explored.


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[> Re: Restrictions on Repertoire -- Hayley Pletcher, 19:19:49 03/28/07 Wed [1]

I agree with what was previously said. I do believe that the teacher should be able to choose his/her own repertoire, but he/she needs to keep the students in mind.


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[> Re: Restrictions on Repertoire -- Jessica, 07:44:35 03/31/07 Sat [1]

I believe that it is not only "politiacally correct" to perform some music from other traditions but it is also educational and just plain fun! Ever year through band and choir we did the christmas standards "The Christman Medley" "O Holy Night" "Sleigh Ride" but then we also did a Chanukah medley and a Kwanza piece, each of which had challenging rhythms and melody lines the band wasn't already familiar with. Along with that in choir we sang the same classics along with a kwanza piece which we sang in Zande and a Chanukah song in Hebrew. These are the pieces from the holiday concert that I remember best.. not Suzy Snowflake or Frosty the Snowman.


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[> Re: Restrictions on Repertoire -- Honoree, 12:15:24 04/01/07 Sun [1]

In addition to the previous statements, I feel that there is a lot of “good” repertoire included in music of diverse religions and cultures. As a teacher one is still able to pick repertoire of their choice, as long as they follow a few guidelines. The guidelines in this instance are actually making repertoire more diverse, and providing more options.


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[> Re: Restrictions on Repertoire -- Beth G., 07:43:35 04/05/07 Thu [1]

I think that the teacher should have some control over what the students sing and aren't forced to choose music that they don't want to sing. Personally, I kind of wish the teachers throughout grade school were forced to added a couple of more diverse songs because all we sang were christian songs and parodies. The songs were all the same and we didn't learn much about other religions but the chistian beliefs.


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[> Re: Restrictions on Repertoire -- Jessalyn, 20:15:59 04/15/07 Sun [1]

I think that it is your job as the Muisc Instructor to pick the music for your choir. Your job is picking music that you feel is most suited for the choir you are working with. Many things come into play, such as their ability, tone, and sound. I dont think it should be based on religion at all, but what you know your choir will love and is capible of singing


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[> Re: Restrictions on Repertoire -- Jayme Orians, 09:07:18 05/02/07 Wed [1]

I dont think music should be so worried with politics. Music is music and to place restrictions on it because someone might be offended is a little harsh I think. The director should listen to and take suggestions about repertoire I think, but its just music and they're not trying to force any beliefs on anyone. I just think that restrictions on music is silly and unnecessary.


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[> Re: Restrictions on Repertoire -- Amanda Jasko, 16:34:12 05/08/07 Tue [1]

I don't think that school repertoire should be limited because it it not politically correct. The director should listen to suggestions, but to limit what they can choose from is too harsh. As long as the director doesn't force beliefs on students, anything is fair game.


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