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This project has been deeply shaped by my extensive experience with the Wind Ensemble of the Department of Music at the University of Ghana, where I currently serve as the director. Throughout my tenure, I have consistently encouraged students to explore a wide range of musical genres through the wind band performance, understanding the importance of expanding their musical horizons. A central aim of this initiative has been to highlight the significant role that “Brass Band Music” play in community music in Ghana. This insight has influenced our approach to song selection, emphasizing the importance of choosing music that resonates with the community’s interests and encourages active participation through singing along. Previously, the wind band’s repertoire was heavily focused on classical music, which, while appreciated by some, had limited appeal to the broader community. Recognizing this, I deemed it essential to incorporate a variety of community music into our repertoire, enabling us to better serve and connect with our audience.

Since adopting this approach, the band has been exceptionally well-positioned to serve both the university and the wider community. Our versatility has allowed us to contribute meaningfully to various university programs that require community engagement. A prime example is our participation in university graduation ceremonies, where “brass band music” has become a key element, allowing graduates to release stress and dance in celebration of their achievements. Another significant event in which the wind band plays a crucial role is the annual “United Nation International Day of Older Persons” organized by Centre for Aging Studies University of Ghana to celebrate elderly members of the community. During this event, the band performs well-known old tunes, evoking fond memories for the aged participants and encouraging them to dance as a form of exercise.

Additionally, the university frequently utilizes the wind band for floats and workout sessions, fostering community exercise and engagement. This initiative aligns closely with the University of Ghana’s 2024-2029 strategic plan, which emphasizes transformative student experiences. By connecting students to the music industry and focusing on community and contemporary music alongside classical repertoire, we provide a unique opportunity for students to gain practical, industry-relevant experience. When the department received a grant from the Mellon Foundation to revitalize Ghanaian highlife music, the wind band seized the opportunity to score and rearrange selected highlife pieces for performance at the project’s Grand Finale. This endeavour not only showcased the band’s versatility but also provided a platform for students to explore and contribute to the preservation and evolution of Ghana’s musical heritage.

The leadership of the band has consistently used these opportunities to nurture creativity in students through arrangement and performance. This approach has resulted in wonderful arrangements that reflect both the traditional roots and contemporary innovations in Ghanaian music. This project represents a significant shift in the wind band’s focus and methodology, emphasizing community engagement, musical diversity, and student development. By bridging the gap between academic music education and community musical traditions, we have created a more inclusive and dynamic musical environment that serves both educational and cultural purposes.

Stephen Aidoo, (PhD)
Department of Music (SPA)
University of Ghana,
Legon