This second and final article on new music notation deals with some general as well as a number of specific innovations in the field of instrumental music. (Author/RK)

A few years ago the synthesizer was an expensive musical instrument. Today prices have dropped tremendously. Explains why the synthesizer is not out of reach of the school classroom and how a solid instructional program can be developed with its use. (Editor/RK)

The Tsonga are a Bantu-speaking people numbering about 1,200,000 in Mozmbique and 500,000 in the Northern Transvaal. Here are instructions for making a nine-slat xylophone like those used by the Tsonga as well as some Tsonga xylophone melodies. (Author/RK)

Describes the minimalist movement in music. Discusses generations of minimalist musicians and, in general, the minimalist approach. Considers various ways that minimalist strategies can be integrated into the music classroom focusing on (1) minimalism and (2) student-centered composition and principles of minimalism for use with elementary band…

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)

Defines guided composition as composing music with as many prescribed parameters as a young composer needs. Although the melody should never be proscribed, instructional "controls" can be built into the rhythm, length (and repeats), scale, and clef. Includes excerpts from three K-4 compositions using this technique. (MJP)