Spectrum of Repertoire

Just a quick post during my morning prep period:

There are two polar opposites when it comes to selecting repertoire for use in band, general music, and choir. One end of the spectrum says that music teachers should always include new music. There are so many pieces of high-quality music out there, and the only way to experience even a fraction of them is to make sure to choose new pieces every year. In other words, a teacher should never use the same piece of music twice in their entire teaching career.

The other end of the spectrum says that music teachers should find a set of music that can be rotated every two to four years and stick to teaching that music. It's easier for the teachers because they don't have to continue learning new songs, and it's better for the students because the teachers will really know each song inside and out and what to expect while teaching it. If the music is of the highest quality, there is no harm done in sticking to the tried-and-true pieces.

In practice, I would assume that nearly all teachers fall somewhere between the two extremes. Newer teachers probably choose more new music each year as they try to find songs that work best for them and their students. More experienced teachers probably repeat songs that they know to be effective in both challenging their students and giving them the feeling of success.