What a sampling of different schools are doing to celebrate Music in Our Schools Week 1984 is described. (RM)

Discussed is how musicians can get used to playing in equal temperament--the system of tuning in which all 12 tones of the chromatic scale stand equidistant from each other in both a logarithmical and musical sense. (RM)

Described is a guitar program that offers an alternative to high school students who otherwise might not be involved in school music. (RM)

Different methods used by elementary, secondary, and college level teachers to grade students in performance classes are described. (RM)

Examined are the recommendations and impact of the report of the National Commission on Excellence in Education and its implications for school music. Things that music educators should do, e.g., supply facts that support the study of music to everyone who influences public policy, are discussed. (RM)

In order to preserve the enthusiasm and motivation of college students entering music schools, professors need to make content relevant, begin fieldwork early, utilize field apprenticeships, and encourage students to become involved in professional organizations. A sample course outline is provided. (RM)

Jazz pianist Marian McPartland's efforts to acquaint others, especially children, with her music are discussed. (RM)

Often asked questions regarding the publishing practices of the "Music Educators Journal" are discussed. These include: what kinds of articles are they looking for, who reads the manuscripts, how much time is required from submission of manuscript to publication, and how does the editorial board function? (RM)

The musical comedy is a medium ideally suited to the interests and capabilities of high school students. Choosing and producing the musical are discussed. (RM)

Discussed is literature which deals with sexism, sex bias, or sex-role stereotypes in the following areas: (1) educational material; (2) curriculum, e.g., music course offerings, enrollment patterns; (3) guidance counseling; and (4) teacher behavior and teacher training. (RM)

Orwell predicted that computers would compose all the music and only the poor "proles" would sing. Today music educators, because of their apathy, are on the brink of giving up, of already being in Orwell's 1984. Teachers should use conferences to grow, be optimistic, and think of music's future. (RM)

Orff mallet instruments should be used in beginning band classes. Adding mallet instruments would expand a beginner's concept of percussion instruments. Just as important, the percussion section would provide a solid melodic and harmonic foundation to assist beginning wind instrumentalists with their insecurities about pitch. (RM)

Criteria are pursue ever higher goals; be adaptable; show your enthusiasm; plan and work with confidence; aim for perfection; be happy; set goals; use your imagination; be courageous. (RM)

The Music Educators National Conference (MENC) launched a new public relations plan; membership remained relatively stable; division meetings proved successful; and the Music in Our Schools Week campaign completed its best year ever. (RM)

Chamber music has the advantage of offering the student maximum exposure as an individual performer. The absence of a conductor means that the student assumes the role of interpreter, thereby gaining musical maturity. For these reasons, curriculum hours should be more evenly divided between chamber music and larger ensembles. (CS)