Big band e ensino de música: concepções pedagógicas e musicais de maestros de três instituições públicas de Belo Horizonte

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of big band practice in the training of musicians in three educational institutions in Belo Horizonte. The research seeks, from the perspective of three big band conductors, to understand the possible contributions of this collective practice to the technical and musical development of students in music teaching institutions. To this end, a qualitative approach was adopted, based on interviews with conductors who worked or work in big bands linked to public musical education institutions, namely: the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), the State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG) and the Artistic and Technical Training Center (Cefart) of the Clóvis Salgado Foundation (FCS). Through this investigation, we seek to contribute to discussions about music teaching methodologies and the role of collective practices in the training and performance of students in Music courses. The main results of the research include: the historical contextualization of big bands in Belo Horizonte; the relevance of large musical ensembles within public musical education institutions; the analysis of the challenges faced by conductors/teachers in their experiences with big bands; the use of musical repertoire as a pedagogical strategy; the consideration of big bands as an object of study of popular music in academia; and musical improvisation as a collective pedagogical tool for teaching and learning in these groups. Thus, this study highlights the relevance of big band practice as a significant element in the training of musicians. From the analysis of the perspectives of the interviewed maestros, it is observed that this collective practice contributes to the technical, interpretative and creative development of students, in addition to encouraging reflection on teaching methodologies focused on popular music in the academic environment. Furthermore, the research highlights the importance of big bands as spaces for artistic experimentation, recognizing them as essential instruments for the construction of a more comprehensive musical education aligned with contemporary demands in the area, in which improvisation and repertoire play a fundamental role in the teaching and learning process.