ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses types of diversity, connectedness, and bonding. These concepts will be defined with an eye toward understanding issues of diversity and identity at the local and community levels and the processes by which arts groups and individual musicians set cultural agendas for themselves. Complex systems include biological ecosystems, economies, and populations characterized by shared traits, such as these related to geography, genetics, income, education, gender, sexuality, and ethnicity. These complex systems consist of diverse entities who act, interact, and adapt independently. Diversity of types and kinds in programming cannot be equated with the diversity of assembly. When we talk about diversity in terms of designing more inclusive musical environments, only diversity of assembly will effect change and adaptation. A connected society is an environment whose members enjoy the bonds of solidarity and community but are equally engaged in bringing diverse communities together.
