Discusses the experience of developing and directing a fiddle group that included both students and adults. States that adult volunteers within the fiddle group are critical to its success. Includes tips for starting a fiddle group. (CMK)

Presents an interview with James Newton Howard, a film composer. Provides background information on Howard. Addresses topics such as his most challenging and rewarding scores, his musical background, and the benefits of being associated with the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). (CMK)

Discusses the use of apprenticeships in music education focusing on the benefits of this approach for the students. Describes the Apprentice Adjudicator Project (AAP) that enables undergraduate music education majors to observe experienced music teachers during a festival. Includes apprentice and adjudicator survey forms. (CMK)

Discusses the family night concert as a way to involve family members in music education, where they can participate in the orchestra or as part of a family act. Describes how to create the family concert. Includes a sample invitation and a program to a family night performance. (CMK)

Believes that mentoring helps new music teachers remain in the profession. Discusses the use of mentoring, focusing on the benefits of mentors for new teachers, mentor programs, and tools for mentors. Includes stories about teachers with mentors as well as a bibliography of resources. (CMK)

Focuses on the issue of whether music teachers should be improving student reading skills. Describes a program called Opening Minds to the Arts (OMA) that is used in the Unified School District in Tucson (Arizona) to develop student literacy. Discusses the benefits and outcomes of OMA. (CMK)

Describes the analysis of "Strengths and Weaknesses and Opportunities and Threats" (SWOT). Discusses the study, "Gemeinhardt 4," that used the SWOT analysis to determine 13 different types of music programs. Addresses how music teachers can utilize this information. Includes other sections such as, "Possible Solution to Music Program Threats."…

Discusses the importance of creating a large-ensemble handbook to help students, parents, administrators, and staff. Addresses the types of information a director should include in the handbook, such as a program overview, ensemble description, an event calendar, and explanations of policies and procedures. (CMK)

Describes the Fairfield High School Chamber Music Honors Program for students in grades nine through twelve in Fairfield (Connecticut). Explains that the program's goal is to provide students with a positive experience in chamber music. Highlights the creation and the first two years of the program. (CMK)

Describes the Marietta (Ohio) "Teen Teaching" program, semester-long courses that provide high school juniors and seniors with opportunities to explore teaching in music education. Discusses the activities of the Teen Teachers, who work with elementary and middle school teachers for two periods every day. (CMK)

Focuses on three issues involved in successfully preparing a performance program for elementary school students: (1) know the students, the other teachers, and the audience (specifically parents); (2) understand how to select programs that are appropriate; and (3) be aware of your limitations as the teacher. Includes program ideas for elementary…

Discusses issues related to having music programs for Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meetings to increase parental PTA meeting attendance. Highlights different types of programs focusing on parental involvement that music teachers can utilize. Includes a list of ten ideas. (CMK)