Wind players who become school band directors often struggle with their percussion section. They are not always sure how to deal with the technical aspects of percussion, such as double-stroke rolls or flares. They may also wonder how to get their drummers to stop talking and be ready to play. These questions reveal common concerns among…

Reviews a dissertation which examined the scoring practices for alto, bass, and contrabass clarinets in selected compositions written between 1951-1972. The study identified new practices for scoring low clarinets in wind band compositions. The study is recommended to readers seeking a good understanding of the use of clarinets in these…

Offers information about music as a science and as a form of communication. Describes classifications of musical instruments and advances in electronic musical technology. Includes two design briefs (student learning activities). (JOW)

The quality of students' lives can be greatly enhanced through music, and teachers know that musicians at all levels risk injury when they practice and perform. Overuse injuries are painful, disrupt progress, and can even permanently halt performing careers. Expert treatment can be difficult to find on short notice, especially when an injured…

In this article, the author states that, when he teaches instrumental technique to beginners, especially in a general music class, he discovers that most students often do not coordinate their muscles effectively when they start playing a musical instrument. He specifically discusses teaching the students how to play the xylophone and techniques…

The author states that in a melody/harmony/rhythm sense, improvising on a synthesizer is no different from improvising on any other instrument. The capabilities of synthesizers are described, and exercises and methods to be used with synthesizers are outlined. (KC)

In this article, the author argues that in many ways, developing instrumental practice techniques is an experiment with a sample of one. Musicians must learn which methods work best for them as individuals. This starts in the earliest stages of learning a musical instrument. Teachers offer suggestions: students discover how others are practicing,…

In this article, the author asks music educators to imagine their band students being able to identify the melody of a piece as it jumps among sections after playing it just a few times. How about recognizing harmonic modulation, or applying dynamic contrast through understanding of compositional form? While these elements may seem obvious to…

A bricoleur is a person who lives by recycling old materials. This article describes a bricolage, a junk sound sculpture, constructed mainly of junk metal. Selected readings are included. (KC)

Current research reveals that West African musical concepts provided the foundation for the various musical genres created by Black Americans. The Black musical tradition continues to evolve and mirror new values, attitudes, philosophies, and life-styles without the loss of a West African identity. (RLV)

In the minds of some music teachers, school bands and orchestras are divided into two camps: the talented and the musically challenged. Considering their conventional methods of introducing rudiments to their young percussionists, it's no wonder that some students struggle. Take the snare drum as a classic example. First, the percussionist must…

The author describes the evolution of the American musical since 1750 and emphasizes the often overlooked importance of the orchestrator. She discusses the talents of several extraordinarily gifted musicians. (KC)

The perseverance of African musical characteristics among American Blacks is an historic reality. African retentions have been recorded in Black music of the antebellum period. Various African scales and rhythms permeate Black American music today as evidenced in the retentions found in blues and jazz. (RLV)

MENC has recently, recapitulated its vision of "Music for All" in its strategic plan, which warns that "30 to 50 per cent of new teachers who work in urban areas leave the field in their first three years of service.'' This undoubtedly affects instrumental music instruction for urban children. Collegial sharing is one solution to problems…

Contends that many violin and viola students develop preferences based on fear of using more difficult fingering techniques. Recommends that students be exposed to advanced techniques earlier in a matter-of-fact approach. Includes a list of four books recommended for further reading. (CFR)