Middle school band contest repertoire in northern Illinois: analysis and recommendations.” Research and Issues in Music Education

Several factors influence band directors ’ repertoire selection including the ability and instrumentation of the ensemble, preferences of students and parents, and the occasion for which the music is to be performed (Battisti, 1995; Prentice, 1986). Programming is also affected by music publishers who spend large sums of money to promote their latest products, and learning standards recommended by state and federal organizations. The National Standards for Music (Music Educators National Conference [MENC], 1994), for example, calls on students to “perform music representing diverse genres and cultures ” and to be able to “classify [music] by genre and style (and if applicable, by historical period, composer, and title) ” (n.p.). The Illinois State Learning Standards for Fine Arts (Illinois State Board of Education [ISBE], 1997) makes similar statements, requiring students to “play…a variety of music representing diverse cultures and styles ” (n.p.). To meet these standards, band directors must program transcriptions of historical masterworks and music of various ethnic heritages including those from non-European cultures. One could also argue that works by women should be included as well. Topp (1989) supports these assertions stating “music by black composers is too little known and too littl