There was a time, not so long ago, when having a website for a teacher's music program was considered cutting-edge. But today, over 40 years after the birth of the Internet, everyone lives in an age of instant information. New online services and Internet technologies have changed more than just the interaction between teacher, student, and…

After nearly a decade as band director at St. James High School in St. James, Missouri, Derek Limback knows that the key to building a successful program is putting the program itself above everything else. Limback strives to augment not only his students' musical prowess, but also their leadership skills. Key to his philosophy is instilling a…

Many music teachers across the country have learned how beneficial it can be to tap into the communities around them. The author discusses how music teachers can help broaden their students' horizons by tapping into the resources just outside their school walls. One way is by employing local talents. Another is to put an ad in nearby music stores,…

Contends that teachers can enhance their music-education programs by utilizing community resources. States that the resources chosen by a teacher will depend on the needs of the music program. Asserts that the school music program also acts as a community resource in which the community benefits from the partnership with the school. (CMK)

Musical theatre is one of the great genres of music, yet very few community theatres use live music to accompany their productions. Sadly, many community theatres that formerly employed pit orchestras are replacing them with electronic music. Some producers would welcome live music, but they worry about the potential cost. There are so many…

This article discusses a number of techniques that can help teachers attract and keep general music students in their music program. These include: (1) a piano lab; (2) a chime group; and (3) intensive contact with the community.

Describes an example of community music making in which middle school students, their parents, and a senior adult band all participated in a concert. Indicates the concert intended to celebrate the participants' musical accomplishments, gain support for music education, and demonstrate that music can provide joy for performers of all ages. (CMK)

Describes the community of Sarasota County in Florida (Tampa) as one in which the arts are highly valued. Explains that the Sarasota County School Board eliminated the arts program devastating Sarasota County and the surrounding areas. Introduces three articles that discuss the elimination and renewal of Sarasota County's arts program. (CMK)

Discusses the community service requirement for high school graduation in Maryland. Contends it enhances arts instruction and highlights student accomplishments. Describes a program in which performing arts students meet the requirements through participation in concerts, art shows, and similar community-based activities. (CFR)

Contends that starting a full orchestra in elementary school allows a music program to be visible to the community and garner support for budgetary requests. Discusses the process for organizing an elementary orchestra and problems that orchestra directors may encounter. Includes a list of orchestra music for elementary musicians. (DSK)

Beginning a community youth orchestra can be one of the most rewarding--and draining--experiences in music education. Forming a group requires administrative expertise, interpersonal skills, expert musicianship, and a lot of elbow grease. The author used all these attributes and skills when he founded the Spanish Fork (Utah) Chamber Players…

Reiterates the need for music educators to continually and consistently generate support for their program. Recommends maintaining active and valuable relationships with administrators and guidance counselors. Argues for the inclusion of nonperformance music courses in the curriculum. Includes a checklist of activities designed to create support.…

Discusses the benefits of drumming. Focuses on topics such as: improving education for students when drumming is included in the curriculum, use of drumming within communities, added benefits due to involvement in drumming, and effects of drumming on one's physical and emotional health. Provides a section on, "Resources for Drumming." (CMK)

Describes how to create community service choirs in schools. Discusses the importance of contacting community agencies and provides key questions to ask the agencies. Offers program guidelines for agencies and includes suggestions for successful public relations to publicize events. (CMK)

Maintains that a shopping mall is an ideal location for an elementary school music performance and can increase community visibility in order to encourage support for the music program. Provides guidelines for planning the performance from choosing the mall and selecting music to transporting the equipment and visiting the site. (CMK)