Does School Band Kill Creativity? Embracing New Traditions in Instrumental Music

Abstract

In schools, band is often seen as a class where students and teachers can be creative. But is this true? Many schools use a traditional band model, which may not allow space for creative activities. This article, inspired by the Music Educators Journal March 2017 special focus on teaching for musical creativity, examines and critiques the traditional model of school band with respect to the space offered for creative music experiences and offers ideas for band directors of how to structure their programs to help foster more creative musical activities.