Community music ensembles often provide non-professional musicians a rich opportunity to engage in music-making yet they frequently exclude those who have not achieved a certain level of musical achievement as demonstrated by an audition. Community music ensembles designed to be more inclusive of diverse musical background and experience require a shift in approach based on the specific mission of the organization. Approaching these ensembles as one might approach a traditional, auditioned community ensemble could limit engagement and retention of the most novice and/or the most advanced musicians.

Using the Nebraska Medical Orchestra (NMO) as a case study, this presentation will discuss many considerations one must take in building and leading a more inclusive community music ensemble without the traditional barriers meant to exclude. While musical growth and improvement remain vital to the rehearsal process, the shift away from the pursuit of perfection provides an opportunity to enhance engagement, joy, and reward for all who are involved. Vital to this presentation is also interview data of NMO musicians providing insight into their perspective on the approach of this orchestra. Founded in 2018, the NMO is comprised of musicians involved in healthcare (i.e. pre-professional students, health science faculty, hospital and laboratory staff, medical and allied health practitioners) who have a variety of musical background and experience—some with less than one year of musical experience and some with university/conservatory music training.

Authors:
Matthew Brooks, University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Matthew Brooks is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at University of Nebraska at Omaha in United States

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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