Explains how singing can be incorporated into the band rehearsal. Discusses how to improve student aural skills by including singing in the rehearsal and the benefits of having students sing. Describes how music teachers can use songs or chorales in the classroom. (CMK)

Discusses why students who play musical instruments should participate in a chamber music ensemble. Provides rationale for using small ensembles in the high school band curriculum. Focuses on the topic of scheduling, illustrating how to insert small ensembles into the lesson schedule, and how to set up a new schedule. (CMK)

Presents conducting techniques for music educators. Explains the Visual Score Study (VSS) that assists conductors in developing baton movement. Analyzes and discusses how to use the VSS movements. Focuses on using a technique called registration. Explores four additional technical matters: conducting arm, baton, body, and orchestra. (CMK)

Explores the idea of a school ensemble culture in bands, orchestras, and choirs. Focuses on themes of ensemble culture: (1) identity; (2) transmission; (3) social dimension; (4) practical and personal boundaries; (5) organizational hierarchy; (6) traditional song; (7) traditional performance practices; (8) the diaspora; and (9) other areas. (CMK)

Discusses the use of playing tests in music education, stating that the tests can be useful beyond assessment measurement. Describes how to create performance tests based upon the idea of an accomplished learner. Addresses how to give the tests and presents implications gleaned from field test results. (CMK)

Addresses the importance of repertoire selection, stating that high quality music provides students with a foundation in the music classroom. Introduces this issue's special focus on the selection of repertoire. Offers information from broad guidelines to suggestions for specific music ensembles. (CMK)

Examines Western adaptations of music from other cultures. Argues against performing multicultural music according to the Western musical system. Provides suggestions for authentically performing multicultural music, including interacting with the music and learning about its cultural origins. (CMK)

Focuses on repertoire selection, addressing issues such as beginning the process, keeping lists and resources for future use, seeing concerts as sharing experiences, and problems to avoid. Discusses the importance of networking and offers suggestions for enabling music educators to grow as teachers. (CMK)

Contends that marching bands should explore the classical repertoire of the symphony orchestra. Discusses three reasons why the audience and students enjoy this type of music. Includes a list of classical music that has worked for bands. (CMK)

Focuses on the experience of student teaching experience for future music educators. Discusses the importance of the student teaching placement, critical in determining a successful experience. Addresses the challenges during the transition from student to teacher. Provides stories about the student teaching experiences of Susan, Samantha, and…

States that creating "authentic" world music arrangements that are faithful to indigenous performances provides a means for teaching instrumental students about the sounds of other cultures. Discusses how to choose a piece of world music, how to transcribe a performance, and how to develop the arrangement. Addresses additional instructional…

Discusses the use of standards-based instruction in large ensemble rehearsals and the implementation of the National Standards for Music Education. Provides a sample lesson using "The Ash Grove," a piece arranged for band with notes on lesson preparation and rehearsal strategy. (CMK)

Describes four types of assessment (placement, summative, diagnostic, and formative) that can be used with the instrumental music classroom. Discusses various assessment tools for use with instrumental students: (1) ckeckpoints and checklists; (2) worksheets; (3) audiotape recordings; and (4) self-evaluation. Includes the Ensemble Performance…

Provides a chronology of Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington's career divided into four periods (Sound and Style, Creative Explosion, Beyond Jazz, and The Last Decade). Offers a synopsis of his musical development, listing compositions written during each phase. Includes a list of resources and a sample lesson for "Koko" by Duke Ellington. (CMK)

Discusses popular music, the role of the musical performer as a creator, and the styles of jazz and popular music. Describes the pop ensemble at the college level, focusing on improvisation, rehearsals, recording, and performance. Argues that pop ensembles be used in junior and senior high school. (CMK)