With an Annotated Bibliography of Works by Underrepresented Composers

Contributors: Jodie Blackshaw, Erik Kar Jun Leung, Alex Shapiro, Courtney Snyder, Robert Taylor, Alfred L. Watkins

At a time when the calls for diversity, equity, and inclusion are stronger and more important than ever, The Horizon Leans Forward . . . amplifies the talent and voices of the many underrepresented communities in the wind band field.

Compiled by Erik Kar Jun Leung, and with contributions from a diverse team of distinguished wind band professionals, this book shares the profound insights and firsthand experiences of people of color, women, and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals working in the wind band field.

Central to this text is the annotated bibliography showcasing more than 200 gifted composers from underrepresented communities along with more than 400 of their best works for wind band, Grades I–VI. Each entry offers a brief biography of the composer as well as pertinent publication information and descriptions of each work.

Chapters address such topics as:

• Racism and the Black experience in America and band music
• The intersection of Asian culture and a career in music
• The experiences and insights of esteemed female band directors
• Queer identity and visibility in the wind band
• Encouragement, wisdom, and advice for empowering women in music
• Unique approaches to programming diverse works by diverse composers

This significant volume takes an honest look at the past and present state of the wind band profession and lays out a bold and promising vision for the future, one in which there is an equitable and universal representation of all people in all areas of the field.

A native of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Erik Kar Jun Leung is Director of Bands at Oregon State University (OSU), where he guides all aspects of the band program, conducts the OSU Wind Ensemble, and teaches instrumental conducting. Leung holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in wind conducting from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.