Abigail Carter

Block 3 - Middle School Chorus

March 9, 2022

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices and Policies in the Music Classroom

In terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the music classroom, I have observed many

effective practices and policies during this block. The curriculum explores music from many

entry points, making music education more accessible and engaging for more students. This

includes music education through performance, creation, history, theory, and applications that

can be transferred to other subjects. The curriculum also accounts for many different methods to

assess student learning in these various aspects of music, providing more students the

opportunity to effectively “show what they know”.

In repertoire choice, the selections both effectively represent the community and

introduce students to different cultural ideas they may not have been exposed to before. This

includes music in various languages and from internationally varying cultures. This exposure is

not solely through performance and rehearsal of the selections, but discussion and activities that

give students a deeper context than before. In these discussions, the diversity and variation of

student experience becomes evident and all students are provided a brave space to share thoughts

or ask questions. It is natural for students to ask questions about new cultural ideas (such as

customs, languages, societal norms, etc.) and it should be encouraged for them to do so.

In terms of classroom policies and codes of conduct, all students are expected to respect

themselves, those around them and the spaces they inhabit. Respect is shown through treating all

people and all things with kindness and fairness. In terms of self, this means taking

accountability for positive and negative actions and acting with integrity. Towards others, this
takes the shape of adhering to others’ personal boundaries and acting appropriately so as to not

distract the learning of others. It also means remembering that everyone has different experiences

and being attentive to those variations in experience. In terms of the space around them, this

looks like taking care of school facilities and cleaning up after oneself.

In the paragraphs above, I have not specifically mentioned the words “diversity, equity,

and inclusion”, but this combination of ideas is what I have seen create culture. I believe that

where the social and the academic meet is where culture is created. In this placement, I have

watched as the social and the academic aspects of life at this school seek to give students a brave

space to name, honor, and share their different experiences and perspectives. It is in this ability to

be open at this school that diversity continually is honored and celebrated, equitable

environments are strived for, and community members seek to foster environments where all are

included and all are warmly welcomed.