UCLA Philharmonia's Return to Live Concerts After Long Hiatus
In a commendable move towards inclusivity, the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music is re-centering works by historically underrepresented composers in its curriculum. This strategic plan, while not explicitly detailed in recent announcements, aligns with broader educational trends and aims to expand the traditional canon of music, ensuring students are exposed to a wide range of musical voices and perspectives.
The school's approach involves a comprehensive reevaluation of its curriculum, focusing on inclusivity and the evolving canon of music. This shift promises to integrate works from diverse cultures, ethnicities, and gender identities, thereby broadening the horizons of students.
In addition to curricular changes, the school is also emphasizing inclusivity in education. Encouraging a diverse faculty can help ensure that various perspectives are represented in both teaching and research. Engaging students in discussions about the importance of inclusivity in music education can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse musical traditions.
Community outreach and partnerships are another crucial aspect of this strategic plan. Forming partnerships with organizations focused on music from underrepresented groups can provide students with unique learning opportunities and exposure to diverse musical experiences. Hosting events, workshops, and concerts featuring music from underrepresented composers can help foster a more inclusive musical community.
Digital and technological integration also plays a significant role in the school's plans. Developing digital resources, such as online archives or educational platforms, can provide students with access to a broader range of musical works and educational materials. Utilizing technology to offer virtual workshops or lectures by guest artists from underrepresented backgrounds can enhance students' learning experiences.
Scholarly research and performance are also integral to the school's strategy. Encouraging faculty and student research projects focused on underrepresented composers can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation of diverse musical traditions. Providing performance opportunities that highlight the works of historically underrepresented composers ensures that students are actively involved in promoting inclusivity in music.
The school's commitment to diversity was evident in its recent performance on October 30, 2021, which marked the ensemble's return to live performance after more than a year and a half of remote work. The concert, held at The UCLA Herb Albert School of Music, was a testament to music's resilience and the spirit of the school's faculty, staff, and students. The evening offered a preview of changes underway at The Herb Alpert School of Music, signaling the potential for increased audience access.
Brandon Zhou, a second-year Master's student and 2019 Atwater Kent Concerto Competition winner, will perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 in the December 5 performance. The concert will also include orchestral showpieces by Bartók and Debussy, as well as an excerpt from the opera "Lo Schiavo" (The Slave) by Brazilian composer Antônio Carlos Gomes.
Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 protocols, the UCLA Philharmonia navigated unusual rehearsal setups, variable coaching from instrumental faculty, and the efforts of support staff throughout the process. Woodwind and brass musicians had to rehearse with slitted masks, bell covers, and six-foot spacing, demonstrating the ensemble's resilience and dedication to music.
As the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music continues to reimagine its curricula, it serves as a beacon of change in the world of music education, fostering a more inclusive and diverse musical landscape.
Students can expand their learning experiences by leveraging online education resources focused on education-and-self-development, such as digital archives or educational platforms showcasing a wide range of musical works and perspectives from underrepresented composers. Moreover, engaging with music entertainment like attending concerts featuring music by diversified composers can help students appreciate the importance of diversity and inclusivity in music.
