Asserts that music teachers should help their students understand the value of music by acting as a role model. Explains that in order to become a role model, teachers should actively pursue musical involvement in their daily lives. Provides five questions to guide reflection about teachers' musical lives. (CMK)

Outlines a variety of activities incorporating celebration and study of the Olympic Games into the music curriculum. Suggested activities are separated by elementary, middle school, and secondary levels. Includes a list of Olympic music recordings. (MJP)

Presents an interview with Julie Gold that addresses the importance of music in her education, her career as a songwriter, and her work as a professional singer. States that music and the arts is a crucial aspect of a child's education and that our society should recognize the triumphs of artists/musicians. (CMK)

Describes activities in a secondary music class in which students communicate with talking drums. Maintains that the class project was developed during a teaching unit on the musical practices of the Ashanti ethnic group in Ghana. Includes instructions for making talking drums and four examples of orchestrating name rhythms for drums. (CFR)

Presents an interview with Eiji Oue, one of the youngest conductors to ever hold that position with the world famous Minnesota Orchestra. Oue talks about his experiences working with and teaching young people across the United States. He also discusses differences between music instruction in the United States and his native Japan. (MJP)

Encapsulates a series of verbatim statements made by young musicians about the joy music has brought to their lives. The musicians, all students at Black Mountain Middle School in San Diego, California, exhibit a wide range of responses discussing their commitment, hard work, and sense of accomplishment. (MJP)

Encourages incorporating music activities into early childhood education. The many benefits of early exposure to music include increased physical coordination and motor skills, advances in listening, vocabulary building, and aesthetic enjoyment. Includes a list of selected resources. (MJP)

Describes the development and first-year implementation of a high school madrigal program. The effort has been a resounding success enjoying popular support from the community and providing a creative showcase for the students. Relates those works most popular with audiences and students and includes a list of madrigal resources. (MJP)

Recommends incorporating a thorough analysis of popular music into the teaching of music appreciation. Considers moving beyond the traditional approach (chronological progression beginning with the medieval period) to include innovative comparisons of different styles, instruments, and historical periods. Includes suggested strategies, activities,…

Profiles four middle school teachers maintaining early chamber music programs. The teachers advise varying degrees of musical competency before students begin the program, but all of them caution against starting too soon. They also stress the importance of purchasing early music scores and establishing rehearsal times. (MJP)