2020 is the year of change, and this “Holiday Season” will look quite different than any that have come before. This time of year celebrates our traditions, and along with traditions come cultural awareness. As music educators it is our duty to reflect on our Fall and Winter Repertoire to ensure we are selecting songs that are culturally responsible for our students’ music education. The following is a list to help you through the process.
Step 1: BREATHE. All Music Educators are teaching in a new way this year. Some of our go-to songs and activities must be reworked or replanned to fit a virtual, hybrid, or socially distant environment. This has put extra time and effort into our work. Celebrate how hard you are working to supply meaningful musical connections for your students.
Step 2: Use this new teaching experience as an opportunity to look at your repertoire with fresh eyes. Look at the list through a culturally responsive lens. What do these songs represent historically, racially, religiously? The classic Winter tune Jingle Bells has been a song I have taught every year in 4th Grade Chorus, and only recently did I know that there has been research about this song’s questionable origins since 2016. Once you learn information like this you can make a clear decision to remove songs from an educational and empathetic mindset.
Step 3: Review the remaining songs and ensure that your repertoire represents your student population equitably. Are the songs diverse? Are multiple languages and cultures represented respectfully? Are the musical choices you are making truly for everyone?
Use these steps to ensure this season is a season for inclusivity and accountability. Give your students the gift of musical connections that are meaningful and authentic. Give yourself the gift of grace when researching and creating repertoire choices. Above all else, spread the joy of music this Winter.
Carrie Marsh, Member-at-Large
Step 1: BREATHE. All Music Educators are teaching in a new way this year. Some of our go-to songs and activities must be reworked or replanned to fit a virtual, hybrid, or socially distant environment. This has put extra time and effort into our work. Celebrate how hard you are working to supply meaningful musical connections for your students.
Step 2: Use this new teaching experience as an opportunity to look at your repertoire with fresh eyes. Look at the list through a culturally responsive lens. What do these songs represent historically, racially, religiously? The classic Winter tune Jingle Bells has been a song I have taught every year in 4th Grade Chorus, and only recently did I know that there has been research about this song’s questionable origins since 2016. Once you learn information like this you can make a clear decision to remove songs from an educational and empathetic mindset.
Step 3: Review the remaining songs and ensure that your repertoire represents your student population equitably. Are the songs diverse? Are multiple languages and cultures represented respectfully? Are the musical choices you are making truly for everyone?
Use these steps to ensure this season is a season for inclusivity and accountability. Give your students the gift of musical connections that are meaningful and authentic. Give yourself the gift of grace when researching and creating repertoire choices. Above all else, spread the joy of music this Winter.
Carrie Marsh, Member-at-Large