The On the List Project is a collaborative advocacy group composed of band directors, conductors, and music educators working to make state-mandated prescribed music lists (PMLs) more inclusive, diverse, and representative of underrepresented composers.
History & Motivation
Section titled “History & Motivation”The project originated in 2017 following a Midwest Clinic presentation entitled “Music for All of Us: Reflecting Society Through Repertoire Selection.” While directors expressed high enthusiasm for programming diverse works by underrepresented composers, many noted a systemic barrier: school ensembles could not perform these pieces at state-level concert band festivals because the works were not included on official state required repertoire lists.
To remove this barrier, the project began systematically submitting high-quality, diverse wind band masterworks to state organizations for inclusion on prescribed lists.
Key Outcomes & Initiatives
Section titled “Key Outcomes & Initiatives”- PML Diversity Initiatives: Successful advocacy led to the creation of the Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL) PML Diversity Initiative, encouraging the submission of works by underrepresented composer groups.
- National Data Tracking: Collaborating with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the Institute for Composer Diversity, the project documented state band, orchestra, and choral music lists nationally to highlight programming gaps and opportunities.
- New Repertoire Showcases: Continuous presentation of emerging, essential, and inclusive band repertoire at national clinics (including the Midwest Clinic) to educate directors on pedagogical merit and submission pathways.