Music Education The Benefits and Formation of Programs in Schools By: Lauren Chandler

Background & History The formal study of music dates back to the 18th century. The main areas of music education are theory and practical knowledge Several different aspects of music education to study such as: history of music analysis of composition study of various genres

Background & History (con.) The rise of music education in schools resulted in the implementation of music programs such as orchestras, bands, and marching bands. creation of additional music programs made by students such as jazz bands and ensembles.

Literature Review What makes this a discourse community? “The Concept of Discourse Community” by John Swales There are six, “defining criteria: there are common goals, participatory mechanisms, information exchange, community specific genres, a highly specified terminology and a high general level of expertise” (Swales 224).

Common Public Goals: To recruit new music program members to make their program bigger Gain publicity and show off musical talents to non-music program member Intercommunication Among Members: All of the music program members understand how to read and interpret the music. The members can recognize when others are out of tune or not playing rhythms correctly. Lexis: Terms that band members and band directors use - crescendo, fermata, staccato, legato, allegro Level of Members: Band directors & Band members Genres: Orchestra, Concert Band, Marching Band, Ensemble, Jazz Band

Methodology Books Websites/Databases Interviews 1 Band Director & 3 Musicians Allowed for me to see how individuals within the program that played different roles had different or similar views They all said that they were very passionate about music which is what kept them in the community Director-others can also teach; Musicians- opportunity to learn a new skill and language Observations I was able to make observations by looking around at other musicians and observing how they interacted during Pep Band practice. 7

X Factor I believe there are many advantages and benefits for children who are in the music education discourse community. A few are: Gives children the opportunity to learn new skills and also to be a part of something (if they do not want to join a sport). Scientific studies show children with those experiences have a higher capacity of knowledge and may even learn quicker than other students who do not. Music education can also be used to close the academic gap between privileged and under-privileged children. Lower income kids, who have less access to effective music programs, could have same experiences as kids who do have access to good music programs.(potential equal academic playing field) 8

Conclusion From the outcome of my research, I foresee this music education discourse community as becoming more relevant and important in the many years to come because people are realizing the many benefits and advantages there are to being a band student. Also, adults such as administrators, teachers and parents are beginning to understand why music education is so important. 9

References Abril, Carlos R., and Julie K. Bannerman. "Perceived Factors Impacting School Music Programs: The Teacher’s Perspective." Journal of Research in Music Education 62.4 (2015): Web. Feb Kase, Lori M. "Using Music to Close the Academic Gap." The Atlantic. N.p., 9 Oct Web. Feb Swales, John, and Doug Downs. "The Concept of Discourse Community." Ed. Elizabeth Wardle. Genre Analysis: English in Academic and Research Settings. (1990): Rpt. in Writing About Writing. 2nd ed. N.p.: Bedford/St.Martin's, n.d Print. 10