Programming Underrepresented Composers

Bandology is making the choice to feature underrepresented composers in our repertoire for our Band Camp program and we encourage music teachers and band conductors to do the same. Our goal is to choose camp music selections that reflects the young musicians in the band and that embraces our organization’s culture of equity, diversity, inclusivity and accessibility. We aim to inspire our musicians by programming pieces by composers who are Canadian, women, BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ and/or local to our organization. We believe that by embracing EDIA, we can enrich our musical experience and differentiate ourselves, fostering a more inclusive environment for all.

What You Can Do In Your Classroom:

The best thing you can do for your students is to really look at your classroom and diverse the composers you choose to reflect them: women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, local, young, etc.

Check out this video presentation put together by our executive director Lisa Michaels as part of her Master of Community Music program.

Click here to access the presentation with link to various sources starting on slide 20.

Finding Diverse Composers – Some Resources:

Canadian sources:

Canadian Wind Repertoire, 2006-2021

OBA Provincial Band Festival 2024 program

OBA Golden Horseshoe Music Festival 2024 program

MusicFest Nationals

Bandology Composer Spotlights

International sources:

Wind Repertory Project

Institute for Composer Diversity

ColourFULL Music

And We Were Heard

REPERTOIRE FOR BANDOLOGY BAND CAMP 2024

Jasmine Hourahine

Jasmine Hourahine is a composer and oboist as well as a Band Camp alumni! She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2024 under the mentorship of Barbara Assiginaak. Jasmine explores experimental approaches to acoustic instruments and electronics. She draws inspiration from literature, notably Jules Verne and Mary Shelley, as well as nature, incorporating recorded samples and instrumental imitation into her music. Her first commissioned work, “Lament of the Wolves,” was created in 2022 for a site-specific installation with Conservation Halton. “Liiive!” premiered on May 16, 2024, performed by the T.A. Blakelock Wind Ensemble. “Del Aram” was selected for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s Explore the Score session on May 11, 2024.

Bandology has commissioned composer Jasmine Hourahine to write our first-ever Bandology piece of repertoire! We look forward to playing her work at this year’s band camps!

Matt Neufeld

A graduate of the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada, Matt Neufeld does his best to compose, teach and play music for as many people as he can convince or coerce. Neufeld spends most of his days working with amazing band students at Oak Park High School in Winnipeg, where he’s been teaching since 2022. Matt is grateful to be published by Randall Standridge Music, Grand Mesa Music, Tapspace, Eighth Note Music, and through his own website. 

Cait Nishimura

Cait Nishimura is a Japanese Canadian composer based in Waterloo, Ontario. Known for writing nature-inspired, programmatic music, Cait has established herself as a prominent voice in the concert band community. Her music has been presented at MusicFest Canada, The Midwest Clinic, and numerous other international conferences and festivals. Cait is passionate about empowering others through art, and strives to set a positive example for future generations of musicians through her creative work and her dedication to mental health awareness and environmentalism. She is an Associate Composer of the Canadian Music Centre and holds degrees in music and education from the University of Toronto.

Randall Standridge

Randall Standridge is a celebrated composer and marching arts designer. He earned his Bachelor’s in Music Education and Master’s in Music Composition from Arkansas State University, studying under Dr. Tom O’Connor and Dr. Tim Crist. After serving as Director of Bands at Harrisburg High School until 2013, Standridge became a full-time composer. Standridge owns Randall Standridge Music, LLC and Grand Mesa Marching.

Carol Brittin Chambers

Carol Brittin Chambers is an acclaimed American composer, educator and arranger. She holds degrees from Texas Tech University and Northwestern University, studying under renowned musicians like Vincent Cichowicz and John Paynter. Currently, Chambers teaches composition and serves as Composer in Residence at Texas Lutheran University. She previously taught band in San Antonio, TX. Owner of Aspenwood Music, LLC, Chambers composes and arranges for various ensembles. Her works, featured on the J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice List and Bandworld Top 100, have been performed at the Midwest Clinic and other conferences. Chambers won the 2019 Women Band Directors International Composition Competition.