Susquehanna University’s Hinton Introduces Model for African American Music Performance at Predominantly White Institutions

In a groundbreaking new article set to be published in the Journal of Band Research, Eric Hinton, director of bands and associate professor of music at Susquehanna University, delves into the importance of understanding music within its cultural and historical context. Hinton’s research focuses on the ethical scholarship and performance of African American music in predominantly white institutions, drawing from his experience directing Susquehanna’s Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble.

Hinton emphasizes the need for performers and audiences to go beyond simply reading program notes and instead strive for a deeper understanding of the works and composers behind the music. To achieve this, Hinton collaborated with Michael Thomas, former assistant professor of philosophy and director of Africana studies at Susquehanna University, to contextualize the work of seven African American composers within a sociohistorical framework.

The duo identified three key tactics for performers at predominantly white institutions to give informed performances of African American music: interdisciplinary collaboration, contextualizing Black experience, and training in Black performance traditions and practices. By employing these tactics, ensembles can not only showcase the rich contributions of African American composers to Western musical tradition but also foster cross-cultural communication, understanding, and appreciation through aesthetic experience.

Hinton’s research serves as a call to action for the music community to engage with African American music in a more meaningful and respectful way, highlighting the importance of cultural and historical context in fully appreciating the richness and significance of musical works.