Alisha Reeve MUSE 376 Choral Methods Citation Directing the Choral Music Program Chapter 18: Understanding

g Styles and Performances Practices Kenneth H. Phillips 2004 This chapter discusses mainly the last two National Standards for Music Education. Not only does it cover history of music and musical practices, but also how music relates to history and other subjects/disciplines. It also discusses terms that are necessary for a thorough understanding of music. It talks about musical style, and music throughout ages and countries. For me this information is extremely important. I didnt receive a lot of this information in high school while my director was trying to build the program. I got very basic theory and some general music history. I feel that every piece of literature should be used as a discussion of musical conventions, history, and theory. Each piece is an opportunity to teach the students something new. This doesnt necessarily mean that ever piece should be chosen because it has some kind of historical or cultural significance, but within each piece of repertoire there should be some kind of information that the students can learn or build on. Sometimes, especially with newer pieces this is simply from the theory or musical concept side of things. You might also choose music because it would be useful from a music literacy standpoint. Many choral directors ignore standards numbers eight and nine and this is extremely sad to me. In order to make well-rounded citizens, and appreciators of art the students have to have a real grasp and true understanding of

what is music and where does it come from. History and culture are so important in these steps.