The report of the National Commission on Excellence in Education concluded with scant information about a need for fine arts in the schools. Outlined is an interdisciplinary course that uses many art forms--literature, opera, and symphonies--to prevent the extinction of music and art education. (RM)

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

Survival tips and resources to make the first year teaching experience a better and more memorable one for music teachers are provided. (RM)

Factors that should be considered when choosing a music camp for students to attend are discussed. Questions that potential music campers and their parents should ask are provided. (RM)

Elementary, secondary, and college level teachers describe the methods they have successfully used to attract large audiences to their musical performances. (RM)

Voices of female alto singers may be permanently damaged by prolonged singing in the male tenor range. Music teachers' rationales for using altos in tenor parts are refuted and alternative solutions to choral music teaching problems are suggested. (AM)

Two perceptions that lie at the crux of the difficulties facing music in America are the old idea that music is a universal language and the perception of America as a cultural melting pot. (RM)

Retirement can be a time of creativity and service to others. The Music Educators National Conference (MENC) is making it possible for retired members to continue their service to music, music education, and MENC. (Author/AM)

Private instrumental teachers can motivate students by encouraging them to talk openly about problems, keeping their music interesting, giving them a challenge, rewarding them for a job well done, and keeping expectations high. (AM)

Preparing students for a trip to a symphony concert should include a discussion of the traditions and customs of the symphony, information about the music that will be heard, a description of the physical environment in which the concert will take place, and a discussion of appropriate audience behavior. (RM)

With a bit of imaginative thinking, a choral director can prevent the year from ending with a fizzle. Techniques include staging a pops concert, initiating an arts project, teaching about avant-garde works, and introducing solo repertoire. (RM)

The president of the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) argues that general music can be the vital center of the music program if educators reevaluate its objectives and emphasize music instead of other things. This article is derived from a speech given at the MENC Inservice Conference in Minneapolis. (Author/SJL)

The author explores some of the possibilities and problems involved in teaching musical composition, describes three approaches to songwriting, and offers suggestions for ways teachers can reinforce efforts of student songwriters. (KC)

Presents early photographs of the founders and organizers of the Music Educators' National Conference from the 75th Anniversary Exhibit shown at the 1981 convention. (AM)