Accessibility, Outreach, and Community Engagement for Large Ensemble Concerts

Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Stacy Maugans

College

College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)

Discipline(s)

Music

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-30-2026

Abstract

This paper explores the community focused aspects of large music ensembles, and how they can bring live music performances to a wider audience. Money, disability, and other variables can discourage people from easily accessing the music they enjoy, large ensembles are in a unique position to change long-held practice and beliefs that allow live performances to be enjoyed by a wider audience. Traditional concerts can prove to be too expensive, formal, or overstimulating for a growing population of music enjoyers. Though many musicians and music enjoyers agree that music should be available for everybody, many large ensemble performances have been unintentionally reserved for certain “in” groups while discouraging the attendance of other people. By providing more welcoming events such as sensory-friendly and free concerts, ensembles and organizations may provide more opportunities for people who do not always feel welcome at traditional concerts. Expanding the reach of these performances can produce a positive effect for both the communities and the ensembles by creating a positive loop that brings music to the people and people to the music. Through academic writings and interviews, this paper explores the challenges and opportunities directors face when attempting to expand the audience for large ensemble music.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Jonah Morlock is a senior at Valparaiso University pursuing a Bachelor of Art in Music. He has performed with the Valparaiso University Concert band, Luce band, and symphony orchestra, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, and Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra. Jonah was the student conductor of the Luce band and plans to attend graduate school for a Masters of Music in conducting. His experience with the Chicago Philharmonic and Valpo’s sensory friendly concert were big inspirations for this project.

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