Composition Concepts for Band and Orchestra: Incorporating Creativity in Ensemble Settings

This book is intended to introduce concepts about music composition to band and orchestra students of all ages and engage them in actual creative composing projects. The National Core Arts Standards (2014) emphasize that students should be engaged in the “creative practices of imagination, investigation, construction, and reflection in multiple contexts.” These lesson plans attempt to accomplish that challenge in the context of large group band and orchestra ensemble classes using composition activities and projects.

Alexander Koops is an Associate professor of music at Azusa Pacific University, Director of the Azusa Conservatory Community Music School, Fulbright Scholar, and recipient of the CMEA John Swain music education award. He regularly adjudicates and clinics middle school and high school bands and orchestras, leads composition workshops and professional development, and is a published author. Dr. John Whitener is an Associate Professor of Music at California State University Northridge where he teaches music education courses in addition to teaching middle school band at Jordan Middle School, Burbank, and working as a professional composer. He has received numerous teaching awards including the Bravo! Award given by the Los Angeles Music Center for teaching excellence in Music Education and the Outstanding Music Educator of the Year for CMEA, Southern California Division.

Dr. John Whitener is an Associate Professor of Music at California State University Northridge where he teaches music education courses in addition to teaching middle school band at Jordan Middle School, Burbank, and working as a professional composer. He has received numerous teaching awards including the Bravo! Award given by the Los Angeles Music Center for teaching excellence in Music Education and the Outstanding Music Educator of the Year for CMEA, Southern California Division.