The Role of Wind Orchestras in the Development of Music Education in Albania
Abstract:
The aim of this study is to examine wind orchestras in Albania as the first institutions that enabled the teaching of musical instruments in the country. Brass and wind instruments began to be used at the end of the 19th century, during a time when cultural influences, especially from Italy, played a significant role in Albania’s cultural, economic, and social development. The research question addressed in this study is: What contribution did wind orchestras make to the development and enrichment of cultivated music in Albania? The methodology of this study combines several approaches, including historical, cultural, and sociological perspectives, analyzed through the lens of the role played by wind orchestras. The study's findings highlight the key role of these musical ensembles in advancing cultivated music in Albania. The adoption of advanced practices in music reading and writing, along with the establishment of wind orchestras in every city and educational institution, created opportunities for organizing national and international events, competitions, and festivals. These developments also influenced the shaping of educational and cultural policies. The discussions and conclusions emphasize the positive impact of these musical ensembles on Albanian youth, uniting them with one another and with peers around the world. Music serves as a universal language that facilitates intercultural communication and collaboration. In this way, learning a musical instrument becomes not only an educational process but also a way to speak the sublime language of music, one of the most powerful forms of human expression.
