chorensembles

Chorensembles are a pedagogical approach in music education that emphasizes collaborative and creative music-making. The term, coined by educator and composer Edwin E. Gordon, describes a process where a group of musicians, often children, work together to create and perform their own music. This method moves away from traditional teacher-led instruction, where students learn pre-composed pieces, towards a more student-centered environment.

In a chorensemble setting, participants are encouraged to explore musical ideas, experiment with different sounds and rhythms, and collectively develop musical compositions. This can involve improvisational activities, call-and-response patterns, and the use of various instruments, including vocalizations and body percussion. The focus is on developing aural skills, rhythmic understanding, and musical intuition through active engagement.

The underlying philosophy of chorensembles is rooted in Gordon's theory of "Music Learning Theory," which posits that musical aptitude is developed through audiation, the ability to hear music in one's mind. By actively participating in the creation of music, students strengthen their audiation skills and develop a deeper understanding of musical structure and expression. The collaborative nature of chorensembles also fosters social skills, teamwork, and confidence. This approach is often employed in early childhood music education but can be adapted for various age groups and skill levels.