Resources for Music Educators and Performers
This resource page provides helpful information for band directors, music educators, chamber musicians, and soloists working with contemporary classical repertoire. Whether you're preparing a performance, planning concert programs, or seeking professional development, these resources offer practical guidance.
Programming Contemporary Music
Incorporating contemporary compositions into concert programs enriches audience experience and expands ensemble repertoire beyond standard works. When programming new music, consider these approaches:
Balance and Contrast: Pair contemporary works with familiar pieces to provide audiences both comfort and challenge. A concert featuring a new wind band work might also include a transcription of a beloved orchestral piece and a traditional march.
Educational Context: Provide program notes explaining the contemporary work's background, compositional techniques, and cultural influences. This context helps audiences appreciate unfamiliar musical languages and rewards attentive listening.
Rehearsal Consideration: Contemporary works often require more rehearsal time than familiar repertoire. Begin preparation early and focus on challenging sections systematically.
According to National Association for Music Education, exposure to diverse musical styles, including contemporary classical music, is essential for comprehensive music education and helps students develop critical listening skills.
Rehearsal Techniques for Contemporary Works
Score Study
Thorough score study before rehearsals is essential when working with unfamiliar contemporary music. Identify technical challenges, unusual harmonic progressions, metric complexities, and balance considerations. Mark the score with interpretive decisions, trouble spots, and sectional rehearsal needs.
Sectional Rehearsals
Contemporary music often features intricate rhythmic relationships and independent lines that benefit from focused sectional work. Isolate challenging passages, work on precision and balance within sections, then integrate into full ensemble rehearsals.
Recording and Analysis
Record rehearsals and listen critically. Contemporary works may sound different than expected, and recordings reveal balance issues, intonation problems, or pacing concerns not apparent during performance. Share recordings with students for self-evaluation and discussion.
Building Contemporary Repertoire Knowledge
Expanding familiarity with contemporary classical music enhances programming decisions and interpretive choices. Resources for discovering new works include:
- Professional Organizations: College Band Directors National Association and World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles maintain databases of contemporary repertoire
- Reading Sessions: Attend conference reading sessions to experience new works firsthand
- Recordings: Many contemporary wind works are available through streaming services and recording labels specializing in wind band music
- Publisher Catalogs: Major wind band publishers offer contemporary music sections with score samples and recordings
- Composer Websites: Many living composers maintain websites with complete catalogs, audio samples, and program notes
Working with Living Composers
When programming works by living composers, consider reaching out directly. Many composers welcome questions about their works and can provide interpretive guidance, background information, or even participate in rehearsals and performances.
Benefits of composer involvement include authentic interpretation based on compositional intent, enhanced educational value for students meeting working artists, and promotional opportunities for concerts featuring living composers.
Difficulty Assessment
Accurately assessing ensemble capability relative to repertoire difficulty prevents frustration and ensures successful performances. Contemporary works may present challenges different from traditional repertoire:
- Rhythmic Complexity: Metric modulations, asymmetrical meters, polyrhythms
- Harmonic Language: Extended harmonies, dissonance, non-functional progressions
- Technical Demands: Extended range, unusual articulations, contemporary playing techniques
- Ensemble Skills: Independent parts, chamber music-style passages, flexible tempos
Grade a work honestly based on your ensemble's actual capabilities, not aspirations. A work performed well at an appropriate difficulty level is superior to a more advanced work performed inadequately.
Performance Practice Resources
Contemporary Techniques
Some contemporary works incorporate extended techniques or unconventional playing methods. Resources for learning these techniques include:
- Instrument-specific contemporary technique guides
- Video tutorials demonstrating extended techniques
- Consultation with university faculty specializing in contemporary music
- Direct communication with composers about specific technical questions
Notation Conventions
Contemporary scores may use non-traditional notation. Familiarize yourself and your ensemble with common contemporary notation practices through study guides and examples. Clear explanation of unfamiliar notation in early rehearsals prevents confusion.
Building Audience Appreciation
Help audiences appreciate contemporary music through:
- Pre-Concert Talks: Brief introductions explaining what audiences will hear
- Program Notes: Well-written notes providing context and listening guides
- Composer Presence: When possible, invite composers to speak about their works
- Repeated Performances: Program important contemporary works multiple times across seasons
Many audiences initially unfamiliar with contemporary classical music become enthusiastic supporters when provided context and repeated exposure to quality works performed well.
Additional Resources
For score samples, audio recordings, or specific questions about works in this catalog, please contact directly. Educators and performers are encouraged to reach out with questions about programming, rehearsal techniques, or interpretive decisions.