Horns and Hers: The Subversion of Gendered Instrumentation in the HONK! Movement
Becky Liebman
Gendered patterns of musical instrument selection have been observed and studied by music educators and ethnomusicologists. Among musicians who perform in street brass and percussion bands at HONK! festivals, there appears to be a higher percentage of women musicians who play low brass than is generally found in school or community concert bands. This chapter explores how the culture of HONK! fosters the subversion of instrumentation norms through a pedagogy and inclusive atmosphere that provide a low barrier of access and a commitment to an LGBTQ friendly environment, producing a rise of all-women and gender non-binary bands within the HONK! community which, in turn, inspires other women to become low brass musicians.
Becky Liebman advocates for music making as a strategy to foster a vibrant, civil society. Retired from a career in librarianship, she pursued a Master’s in Anthropology and Community Development at University of London, Goldsmiths and co-founded the Jubilation Foundation for the support of amateur musicians, dancers, and their teachers.
Becky Liebman
Gendered patterns of musical instrument selection have been observed and studied by music educators and ethnomusicologists. Among musicians who perform in street brass and percussion bands at HONK! festivals, there appears to be a higher percentage of women musicians who play low brass than is generally found in school or community concert bands. This chapter explores how the culture of HONK! fosters the subversion of instrumentation norms through a pedagogy and inclusive atmosphere that provide a low barrier of access and a commitment to an LGBTQ friendly environment, producing a rise of all-women and gender non-binary bands within the HONK! community which, in turn, inspires other women to become low brass musicians.
Becky Liebman advocates for music making as a strategy to foster a vibrant, civil society. Retired from a career in librarianship, she pursued a Master’s in Anthropology and Community Development at University of London, Goldsmiths and co-founded the Jubilation Foundation for the support of amateur musicians, dancers, and their teachers.
