Beginning a community youth orchestra can be one of the most rewarding--and draining--experiences in music education. Forming a group requires administrative expertise, interpersonal skills, expert musicianship, and a lot of elbow grease. The author used all these attributes and skills when he founded the Spanish Fork (Utah) Chamber Players…

Despite recent moves toward a more collaborative relationship between the academic pursuit of music analysis and the practical pursuit of music performance, there remains a gulf between the two disciplines. This is partly because attempts at collaboration have generally focused on the use of music performance as a way of teaching music analysis…

Discusses the process of introducing the trombone to beginning students and addresses the issue of warming-up. Provides resources for beginning trombone methods, band methods, and daily warm-up studies. Includes resources for scale studies and etudes for beginning to intermediate trombone players. (CMK)

Discusses the reasons to teach stringed instruments: (1) strings can be adapted to the size of the child; (2) home performance material resource availability; (3) stringed music skills contribute to developing basic skills; and (4) the importance of interaction in music. (CMK)

Discusses the importance of creating a large-ensemble handbook to help students, parents, administrators, and staff. Addresses the types of information a director should include in the handbook, such as a program overview, ensemble description, an event calendar, and explanations of policies and procedures. (CMK)

Explores tools used within music education and the developments involved due to technological advancements: (1) recorded sound; (2) visual imagery; (3) electronic instruments; (4) recording devices; (5) computers; and (6) the World Wide Web. (CMK)

Provides suggestions for new instrumental music teachers to ensure success in their first year in the classroom. Gives advice for working with the principal and other teachers, for establishing a friendly but professional relationship with students, and for developing a personal teaching style. (LS)

Addresses the inevitable change in the study of music in U.S. higher education through a parable that assumes the viewpoint of a historian writing toward the middle of the 21st century. Reviews the events that eventually lead to closing the school of music at the University of Granton, an imaginary school. (CMK)

Stresses the importance for wind instrument players to have the skill called tonguing that is the ability to clearly articulate notes. Provides tips and guidelines for beginning and intermediate wind players to develop different types of tonguing and a learning sequence that offers students an introduction to multiple tonguing. (CMK)

Considers the importance of identifying the right instrument for each student in beginning band explaining that mouthpiece testing can help music instructors guide their students in finding an appropriate instrument. Provides suggestions for conducting mouthpiece testing for the flute, single and double reed instruments, and brass instruments.…

Focuses on the use of recorder ensembles in general music classes, discussing topics such as strategies for procuring soprano, alto, and bass recorders and ensemble activities for grades 3-8. Provides a bibliography of resources for recorder playing and information on transposition and arranging music. (CMK)

Explains that there are five components for achieving the ideal band tone (balance, blend, acoustics, sonority, and chord voicing). Presents information on each component. Provides seven suggestions helpful in developing band tone, such as explain and establish goals for the band's tone, practice for tone, and choose music to optimize tone. (CMK)

Discusses the experience a collegiate Music Educators National Conference (MENC) chapter had when running a musical petting zoo, which is an exhibit of musical instruments that passersby, under the guidance of "zookeepers" (the MENC students), are allowed to touch, handle, and attempt to play. Considers the success of the musical petting…

Discusses how to develop both African drum and steel pan ensembles providing information on teacher preparation, instrument choice, beginning the ensemble, and lesson planning. Includes additional information for the drum ensembles. Lists references and instructional materials, sources of drums and pans, and common note layout/range for steel pan…

The article discusses the inclusion of technology resources in early childhood music education. Successful technology inclusion in music for young children depends on the physical, mental, and social readiness of each individual child. Learning providers involved with young children should constantly review the child's capabilities and …