Honoring Culturally Mainstream Music at the All-State Level

The Vermont All State Music Festival has announced its first-ever incorporation of Popular Music Ensembles for 2024. Traditionally, Vermont All State has run four ensembles: Orchestra, Concert Choir, Concert Band and Jazz Band. This year, they have been able to include two new contemporary ensembles: Modern Band and Contemporary A Cappella.

Vermont is one of the few states beginning to add more contemporary popular music into its All-State program and hopes to be an example to other states. It is important that high school programs value the musicianship involved in creating popular music, and honor these musicians at the All-State level. The creation of All-State Popular Music Ensembles sends a powerful message that educators recognize the value of all styles of music and that there is a place for students to see themselves reflected in the music being learned, appreciated and performed in schools, particularly at the secondary level. (Association of Popular Music Education, 2017) (Boyes, 2023)

On average nationally, 17 to 20 percent of a high school’s student population participate in their music program for more than two years. This number continues to drop in years three and four. This statistic has not significantly changed since the late 1960s. (Elpus, Abril 2019). Studies show that there are incredible benefits to music education particularly for low-income students that show these students are less likely to drop out of high school, score higher in other subject areas, and are more likely to attend a four-year college program. Creating Popular Music Ensembles in high school will motivate student participation in these programs.

Music that is culturally relevant inspires students to connect to each other and to enjoy working harder. “Dewey believed that many students will only engage with a subject if it links directly to and extends their experiences (Dewey, 1966). Children and teenagers are greatly influenced by popular music and pop culture (Green 2002, 2006).” (Rooney, 2013) Making the shift to teach students skills that allow them to actively create music of their era should have a large impact on increasing the number of students participating in their high school music programs. More than ever, students need to be able to see themselves reflected in the music and art being taught and performed in schools. It is an inclusive and more culturally responsive approach that increases access to music-making opportunities for our students.

For Eager Schools and Educators: Beginning popular music ensembles at one’s own school can feel particularly daunting as many teachers were not given training in these musical genres as part of their college education. While the trend to incorporate popular music into music education training at the collegiate level seems to be increasing, those already in the field are often left to fend for themselves.

Fortunately, there are some amazing resources available to assist veteran teachers in getting more comfortable in teaching popular music genres:

Music Will: Largest Non-Profit Music Program in U.S. Public Schools lead by CPO, Dr. Bryan Powell equips educators to teach popular music ensembles through their online Music Will Academy. They offer a long list of go-at-your-own-pace free courses to learn to play and teach various modern band instruments, such as, keyboard, drums, guitar, bass, music technology, songwriting, and more. There are also many free downloadable resources to use in the classroom.

The Association for Popular Music Education: The mission of the Association for Popular Music Education (APME) is to promote and advance popular music at all levels of education both in the classroom and beyond. APME organizes annual conferences to celebrate, critique and explore teaching, learning, researching, creating and performing in popular music. Their annual conferences welcome people with interests in higher education, elementary and secondary schools, researchers, industry professionals, and performers. APME’s Board President, Steve Holley’s own website links to some incredible resources that help teachers better coach a popular music ensemble as well.

Vermont’s decision to celebrate popular music at the all-state level is a loud statement to show students and the public that it is an important facet of a well-rounded musician’s educational experience. After this monumental addition, educators within the state now hope this recognition will create a foundation on which educators can implement modern music practices in their classrooms.

Sources

Association for Popular Music Education. “White Paper.” Journal of Popular Music Education, 2017, www.popularmusiceducation.org/aboutapme/white-paper/. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

Boyes, Brian. “Vermont All State Popular Music Ensemble/Modern Band.” 2023.

Braithwaite, Oli. “45 Benefits of Music Education (235 Studies Cited).” Stars & Catz, 15 Sept. 2020, starsandcatz.com/learn/music/benefits/?utm_source=newsletter_343&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=music-world-news. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

Chen-Hafteck, Lily, et al. Coming of Age: Teaching and Learning Popular Music in Academia. Michigan Publishing, University of Michigan Library, 2017, dx.doi.org/10.3998/mpub.9470277. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

Dewey (1966). Democracy and Education: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education. New York: Free Press.

Elpus, K., & Abril, C. R. (2019). Who Enrolls in High School Music? A National Profile of U.S. Students, 2009–2013. Journal of Research in Music Education, 67(3), 323–338. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022429419862837

“Popular Music: Essential to Music Education Training – Music Major – Majoring in Music.” Majoringinmusic.com, majoringinmusic.com/popular-music-education-training/. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

Rooney, Trish. “Embracing the Music of Our Time: An Exploration of the Benefits of Benefits of Teaching Popular Music in Small Groups.” The Journal of Doctoral Research in Education, vol. 13, no. 1, 2013, www.educatejournal.org/index.php/educate/article/view/350/286. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

University of Florida. “An Infographic Showing the Benefits of Music Education.” THE ORCHESTRA PLACE, The Orchestra Place, Inc. www.theorchestraplace.com/music-education-advocacy/an-infographic-for-the-many-benefits-of-a-music-education/. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.