User:RZellner/sandbox

MODERN BAND

Modern band is an instrumental and vocal school music program taught in a growing number of public schools systems in the U.S.  Instrumentation typically includes acoustic guitar, electric guitar, electric bass, keyboard, vocals, computers and percussion instruments. The repertoire of modern band is evolving as it draws from commercially dominant and contemporary music styles of the day such as pop, rock, disco, reggae, hip-hop and more.

Major public school systems that offer Modern Band programming include those in the New York City Department of Education, Los Angeles Unified School District, Chicago Public Schools and others. Modern band is a new movement in public school music education circles. The term "Modern Band" was coined by a music education non-profit, Little Kids Rock who partners with school districts from economically challenged communities to expand their music programs.

There are other organizations globally that also propagate modern band-oriented programming such as Musical Futures out of the United Kingdom.

Current Examples

In the Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa, this “sixth stream” model reaches over 23,000 students with amazing results. Melanie Faulkner, Supervisor of Elementary Fine Arts, states that, “One of the most vital areas that teachers experienced benefits is in original composition and improvisation. Through training in the Modern Band curriculum, teachers have become comfortable with improvisation and composition; it shows in their teaching, and translates to other musical genres, where the concept of improvisation and composition had previously been intimidating.”

In the Los Angeles Unified School District, the teachers have noticed a dramatic effect on their students. “One of the greatest challenges we face as educators is to give our students the skill set they need to move beyond replication of what we teach them to the synthesis of new ideas and the ability to express these ideas. Our Modern Band music courses have provided a powerful set of tools for helping each student find such creative expression. The changes in students I have observed over the past four years have been remarkable. I am anticipating the day that every student in our District has access to a Little Kids Rock program at his or her school.” Steve Venze, Elementary Music Specialist