Creativity in the Large Ensemble: Improvisation in Concert Band and Orchestra
Presented by Thomas Graham
The National Core Arts Standards require us as music educators to provide students with experiences in Creating, Performing/Presenting/Producing, Responding, and Connecting. However in many cases, large ensemble music classes focus almost singularly on the performance of music that has already been composed and notated. If taught in the right way, that experience may include 3 of the 4 categories listed above, but what about the Creating segment? What if there were a way for music educators to incorporate creativity into their rehearsals in a way that is efficient, effective, and fun? This session will examine why it is vital to introduce students to improvisation and provide methods for integrating activities into your already existing curriculum. If the thought of improvisation makes you nervous or scared, this session is for you! If you are already an experienced improviser with no fear of playing over changes, this session is also for you! I will be providing practical tips and tricks for music educators at all stages of improvisation mastery.