The
narrow choice of music from which participants must choose is limited to pop
and closely related genres, which does not comprehensively represent all types of
music taught in Canadian schools and limits participation by school groups that
focus on genres besides pop. The pop-music-oriented vision for music education
that CBC Music seems to be promoting is a very limited aspect of school music
education. Moreover, regardless of genre,
music teachers across Canada are focused on musical content and concepts
that are more meaningful, inclusive and educationally responsible than the music examples CBC has selected.
As
highly trained professionals, music educators are selective and mindful of what
is taught in their classrooms. Value is placed upon music that lends itself
well to rich educational outcomes and student creativity. Great music classes
are not determined by their ability to cover a pop song. The ability to cover a
pop song is especially not representative of the GREATEST music class in
Canada. Rather, great music classes are defined by students understanding the
depth, power, and complexity of all types of music. There is a commitment to
quality, challenge, and creativity. The approach CBC has taken with this
contest cannot determine Canada’s Greatest Music Class, as the greatest music
classes in our country, fortunately, are not defined by this level of over
simplification and subjectivity.
CBC
Music has received criticism from many music educators, music professionals,
and concerned individuals, including students, who see serious flaws in this
initiative. Recommendations have included expanding the music choices, changing
the title, and changing the messaging associated with this contest. The CMEBC
hopes that CBC Music will take into serious consideration the criticism that
has been received and find a way to make this contest more amenable to the
teachers and students it seeks to involve. Furthermore, we would like to offer
our assistance for this and future initiatives. We would welcome the
opportunity to help CBC Music curate educational content that is in line with
the standards and common practices of our profession, and that will reach the
maximum number of students in meaningful ways. For those of us in the music
education community, we feel a great responsibility to nurture our art form and
see that it is portrayed truthfully and positively. We want to have the support
of CBC Music, but in turn we want CBC Music to seek support from us as well. We
are deeply committed to student learning and wish to be involved in
consultation and collaboration with CBC Music as much as possible.
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Join us in our campaign to protect, promote, and advance music education in BC! Become a Member at www.cmebc.org
Contact: info@cmebc.org
