Stick Time: Youth ≠ Incompetence

When did “youth” become a synonym for “incompetence?”  How can we accept – and teach! – musical pabulum just because it seems “age-appropriate?”

 

It could be argued that our younger singers need the BEST possible literature, just like their physical growth requires good nutrition.  You wouldn’t serve your kids a diet of Doritos®, would you?

 

There is a massive body of solid, meritorious, historically valuable (and yes, “age-appropriate”) choral literature available that is perfectly suited to young voices.  No, it probably won’t be handed out in a reading session with a flowery pink cover; nevertheless, the works that truly matter are well worth a little extra effort to locate them.

 

Here is a performance from a recent ACDA Divisional Conference.  This choir is performing a serious work, (the “Gloria” movement from a Mass), in a foreign language (Latin), by a composer of some historical importance (Benjamin Britten).  Don’t young singers in every community deserve the opportunity to sing such valuable music?