A hypothetical conversation between Thoughtful Principal and Music Teacher raises some basic issues about fund raising, booster activities, and band trips. Considerations about contest criteria, door-to-door selling, student costs, support for nonband musical programs, and the educational and motivational value of band trips are discussed. (MLH)

Schools need not rule out fund raising, trips, and contests. Well-organized groups of music students washing cars at local gas stations can create more positive publicity and goodwill toward music programs than can hundreds of news releases. Exchange concerts, trips to nearby schools, and competition against a predetermined scale can substitute…

Subjects that in middle schools are considered "exploratory" should not be abandoned because of increased emphasis on the basics. Through creative scheduling, these "encore" subjects, such as music, have strengthened and enriched the Great Falls (Montana) middle school curriculum. Success in music is likely to improve students' work in core…

Most discussions about at-risk students focus on remedying deficiencies in basic skills, often narrowly defined as English literacy and ability to perform mathematical computations. Omitting appealing subjects from a "streamlined" curriculum will only worsen the situation. Through careful planning, administrators can add the power of music to…

The multicultural/multiethnic movement in education is easily advanced through the music curriculum, where music and musicians overlap national and political boundaries. For secondary school students, studying music may be a key to knowing their expressive selves and knowing more about the world. (four references)

Mechanical examples of musical technology, like the Steinway piano, are well known and accepted. Use of computers and electronic technology is the next logical step in developing art of music. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is explained, along with digital devices (such as synthesizers, sequencers, music notation software, multimedia,…

Because music is an integral part of living, it should be an integral part of school experiences. Music teachers must be deeply involved in instructional planning and delivery. This will happen if administrators ensure that integration means expanding a school's musical offerings, maintaining the integrity of the musical arts, and appropriately…

Acquaints readers with music education research journals and summarizes recent research on instructional techniques, factors influencing performance, grading systems, and broad lines of inquiry. One study showed that students perceiving greater involvement, affiliation, teacher support, and organization tended to receive better music contest…

Valid assessment of student learning in nonperformance music classes is important and possible. Grading practices in large ensembles are often questionable, as music teachers often reward attendance and effort over absolute achievement and overemphasize affective or attitudinal goals. Teachers cannot easily rate aesthetic responses, but any…

Evaluation of secondary school music programs should not be based on performing groups' success. The Music Educators National Conference has suggested that a comprehensive evaluation should examine several aspects of a school music program, including goals and objectives, leadership, staffing, curriculum and scheduling, instructional materials,…

Although mandated continuing education hours may provide the strongest incentive for teachers, they rarely represent the best reasons for pursuing additional education. Development areas important to music educators are musical growth, music teaching and learning, curriculum and program development, and psychology of learning. Various professional…

Future teacher/musicians at one midwestern university desire that principals possess understanding, avoid stereotyped notions about musicians' temperament, demonstrate respect for music programs and music teachers, obtain financial support, have a positive attitude, and be accessible. In turn, principals must select music teachers capable of…

Just as Robert Fulghum claimed to have learned in kindergarten all he needed to know, this article presents 26 all-encompassing teaching tips about questioning techniques, making kids laugh, stressing cooperative learning over competitive approaches, dressing like professionals, encouraging independence, and enriching themselves and their…

A 1988 student survey suggests that honors classes more frequently resemble traditional tracking programs (based on IQ tests and prior performance) than do advanced placement (AP) classes. AP programs appear to be based on a meritocratic system; students who are adequately prepared and sufficiently motivated can accept the challenge and enroll.…

When evaluating special education teachers, observers need to focus on effective teaching strategies common to both regular and special education teachers. Where variations in the central act of instruction exist, they are usually differences in emphasis justified by special education students' unique requirements. (two references) (MLH)