From Concert Bands to Vintage Hip-Hop

Think of bands and you might think halftime shows, parades, and military ceremonies. But in fact wind bands are a serious medium as well, commissioning and performing more new music than any other kind of ensemble in America. A growing number of high-profile composers are getting in on the act these days. Among them are David Del Tredici, who joins us today, along with Jerry Junkin, the director of bands at the University of Texas and artistic director of the Dallas Wind Symphony. They'll talk about the growth of the concert band around the country. Also: Journalist Jeff Chang has written a new book titled Can't Stop, Won't Stop, that explores the overlooked history of early hip-hop. Today on Soundcheck, he explains how rapping, break-dancing, and graffiti empowered inner-city youth.
Additional Information:
» More on Jeff Chang
» Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop at Amazon.com