Redefining the Canon FAQ:

For the purposes of this program, historically underrepresented composers includes composers of color and composers of marginalized genders.

Orchestras are diversifying their programming with works by living composers at a faster rate than with works by composers from historical periods. This is largely due to the fact that resources for historical repertoire by diverse composers are more elusive and prove more challenging and time-consuming to program than those same resources for repertoire by contemporary composers. By focusing on works of historical composers we can speed up the process of making these resources and materials more accessible to the field.
As this program will provide alternative excerpts from the excerpts most commonly used, which are overwhelmingly taken from historical works, the first phase of Redefining the Canon will focus on the repertoire of composers from these same time periods and styles.

Orchestral Partners will be prominently listed on the Boulanger Initiative’s Redefining the Canon website and will also receive crediting language and a logo for inclusion in websites, promotional, and marketing materials.

By adding historically underrepresented composers to required audition repertoire lists, this national field-wide effort will serve as a catalyst for orchestras to program more inclusive and diverse works and in turn, attract a more diverse candidate pool for auditions. Every orchestra benefits from investment in the development of a diverse talent pool. Our collective goal is for musicians of color and marginalized genders to be welcome, valued, and celebrated.

The success of Redefining the Canon depends on partner organizations from across the industry opting-in and participating in this active step toward equality and representation.
Currently we are in phase one of this venture, focusing on works by historical composers, for which resources are more elusive than those by living composers. While phase one will be an ongoing effort, the level of activation across the field through partnerships will determine the length of time needed before we will enter the next phaseses of this venture, which will include works by living composers, works including chorus, and will engage additional partners outside of the professional orchestral arena.

It is at the discretion of each orchestra partner to determine if they would like to compensate their foragers, and it is absolutely permitted in whichever way each partner chooses to do so.

Yes! If you are interested in becoming an Excerpt Forager, fill out this contact form and our Program Director will reach out to you to get started.