Advocacy
IBA Large Ensemble Advocacy Statement
The Iowa Bandmasters Association believes that making music in communal large ensembles is an invaluable and irreplaceable experience. To that end, the IBA strongly advocates for continued instruction of music ensembles this fall, not only for the social and emotional well-being of students, but also for reasons pedagogical, practical, and public relations-minded:
We strongly believe that the physical and mental well-being of our students and staff is paramount. By basing our instruction on specific, targeted scientific data that continues to become available, we are able to provide quality large ensemble experiences in a safe environment.
Real-time collaboration is the very nature of music ensemble education. This is a critical part of the musical experience, where each individual develops independence and interdependence. Large ensembles create a pathway for students to contribute to something larger than themselves as both individual artists and members of society.
Our ensembles reach students from all school demographics enabling them to connect with each other in an educational setting, developing their social, musical, and aesthetic skills.
Our ensembles are important visible student groups in our communities, and engage with the community in important and meaningful ways. Music ensembles allow for a wide range of positive media engagements, public relations efforts, and school spirit. Attendance at our events keeps our community involved and connected to our schools.
We are developing contingency plans to accommodate social distancing guidelines, enrollment caps, and/or prohibitions on public concerts. We can adapt our ensembles to function in any of these scenarios, and are developing best-practice guidelines based on available scientific research.
For a PDF of the IBA Large Ensemble Advocacy Statement to share with your administration, please click here.
Arts Education is Essential
The IBA is one of many state-level organizations, along with fifty-three national organizations who are signatories of the Arts Education is Essential statement put out by the National Association for Music Education.
Advocacy Supports
Advocating for Music Education through Social Emotional Learning
Creating a Statement of Purpose
Scott Lang: Three things to think about as you fight for your program