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)

Examines whether fourth grade students prefer band or nonband instrument timbre. Identifies differences between student preferences in the United States and Greece, examining how cultural differences influence instrumental timbre preferences. Reports that band instrument timbres often are preferred in the United States but are less so in Greece.…

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)

Looks at new techniques for adjusting, playing, and caring for the double bass. Claims that following the suggestions listed will improve both the ease and quality of playing. (LS)

Investigates whether introduction of music reading activities during beginning instrumental music instruction impedes student's development of aural musicianship and instrumental performance skills because of the division of attention between aural and visual activities. Concludes that music reading activities do not adversely affect the…

Discusses the subjectivity, reliability, and musical validity of both holistic and segmented assessment of musical performance. Summarizes an experiment investigating the extent to which holistic assessment can be accounted for by means of a segmented grading system. Concludes that, although a single grade provides limited information about…

Discusses a study of the musical instrument preferences of third grade children. Reports that students' choice of instruments was influenced by the manner in which the instruments were presented to them. Finds that preference varied with gender. Suggests areas for future research. (SG)

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…

Explores the factors that may influence the decisions made by students aged 9-15 years old as they chose musical sounds and constructed compositions. Indicates that age, formal music training, and aesthetic response to musical sounds are the primary factors affecting specific choices made in the compositional process. (CMK)