Wind & Rhythm and Race and Gender: Evaluating Wind Band Programming in Relation to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Abstract

While the wind band is known for programming new works by contemporary composers, this thesis explores wind band programming in terms of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Community resources such as composer databases, newspapers and blogs, and social media express the classical music community’s frustration with programming practices. Scholarship in wind band repertoire support these community resources. The wind band community in the United States has a strong tradition of commissioning and awarding new works for the medium. The wind band has a strong relationship with radio as it documented notable developments throughout the twentieth century. Programming on the radio show Wind & Rhythm was evaluated in terms of race and gender as it represents larger programming practice within the wind band community. Using composer databases to ensure accurate composer identities, it was concluded that Wind & Rhythm, and the larger wind band community, programs works by white heterosexual men more often than any other composer. There are multiple systems in place that continue to oppress musicians who are not white men. Recording projects, the educational setting, and canon building scholarship perpetuates wind band programming that lacks diversity. An equitable and diverse wind band repertoire will foster a thriving wind band community in the future.