When beginning music teachers enter a new classroom for the first time, they start a journey toward understanding a new context and community. Place consciousness develops as they become embedded in their community and begin to recognize how its culture and environment interact with their teaching practices. By mapping the objects, people, and…

A very successful artist-in-education program in which jazz musicians introduced elementary students in Augusta (Georgia) to jazz music is described. Students were involved in many activities, including instrumental improvisation, singing, reading staff notation, choreography, and composing jazz. (RM)

The San Francisco Opera Guild sponsors the Operatunities Program which introduces elementary and secondary students in California to opera. For example, each year the Scholar Opera visits 130 schools from San Francisco to San Jose, exposing approximately 50,000 youngsters to the music and drama of opera. (RM)

Ideas to help music teachers get ready for Music In Our Schools Month, March, 1986, are suggested. (RM)

Music In Our Schools Month (March) provides an excellent opportunity for music teachers to reach out beyond the school to new audiences, to people of all ages. For example, teachers can take music groups to retirement homes or ask parents and grandparents to become chorus members or attend rehearsals. (RM)

Describes how a 1913 Music Supervisors National Conference (MENC) committee identified 18 songs to be included in the curriculum and taught to all U.S. students. Reviews the expansion of the song list and its contribution to a common repertoire for U.S. community sings. (GG)

Contends that the nature of U.S. urban life has created profound challenges for urban schools. Asserts that music educators must examine innovative trends in policy, programming, and curricula to determine how music can contribute to better schools and a better quality of life in urban areas. (CFR)

How the Wichita (Kansas) Public Schools and the Wichita Symphony developed a young people's concert format that is educationally, musically, and logistically sound is described. A spirit of cooperation and interdependence between private and public art organizations is necessary to foster student interest in the arts. (RM)

A comprehensive arts in education program is made up of four segments: specialized arts instruction, arts in general education, community arts resources, and arts for special populations. Each of these segments is discussed. A selective bibliography to help fine arts educators involved in curriculum development is provided. (RM)

Guidelines to help elementary and secondary music teachers organize activities for Music in Our Schools Month are presented. (RM)

Describes the advantages of public relations to a school music program. Suggests that, to succeed, a music program must have the support of school administrators, teachers, parents, and students alike. Recommends means of attracting support from the four groups. Stresses the importance of effective local publicity. (SG)

Describes a music educator's experiences in lobbying for legislative support of school music programs. Suggests that those interested in lobbying should set clear goals, develop networks of supporters and acknowledge their assistance, maintain community visibility, and brainstorm for ideas. Emphasizes the importance of getting news coverage and of…

How trainable mentally handicapped high school students very successfully adapted Charles Dickens's novel "Oliver Twist" into a musical play is described. The project, which involved the entire school as well as the community, shows that handicapped people are capable of artistic endeavors and growth when given the proper environment. (RM)

A symposium sponsored by the Eastern Division of the Music Educators National Conference and 12 state music associations to discuss the impact of recent education reports on music education is described. Strategies for strengthening music education are presented. (RM)

Describes three music education programs in which collaboration among independent agencies is significant. Includes suggestions for replicating these activities. (CFR)