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Date Posted: 09:20:53 02/06/06 Mon
Author: Devin Bramel
Subject: Re: Pop music in the ensemble setting
In reply to: Lindsay 's message, "Pop music in the ensemble setting" on 17:35:52 02/22/05 Tue

I would argue that programming so called "pop" music is a double-edged sword. Yes, the students may enjoy singing it more than more "serious" music (in which case, the teacher should ask himself why the students don't enjoy singing "serious" music and whether his approach to it is causing the dislike) but by the same token, so much of the "pop" music has very little educational value to it. Let's face it, most pop music is written with approximately five chords and is intended to be marketed to those who do not have any understanding of music theory, history, or even what brilliant music can sound like. As educators, how can we justify teaching music that offers so little for students to learn?
Additionally, most arrangements (especially choral arrangements) of pop music are downright laughable. This music was not meant to be sung SATB, yet there are arrangers attempting to create arrangements for these voices. (Some of the parts are absolutely attrocious, especially the standard tenor line in which the tenors must remain on the same pitch for anywhere from 4-8 bars).
This is not to say that pop music does not deserve a place in the curriculum; however, as educators it is our responsibility to provide students with music that contains material that they can learn not only about singing or playing their instruments, but also form, harmony, etc. Most pop music, however, simply cannot meet these requirements.

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