In several States one day in the fall of the year is set apart as "Agriculture and Rural-Life Day," to be observed in the schools in such ways as to emphasize the importance of agriculture to the nation and to the world of mankind, to call attention to the worth and worthiness of the tillage of the soil, the cultivation of plants, and the breeding…

In April, 1919, at the request of the Board of Education of Memphis, Tennessee, the United States Commissioner of Education submitted the conditions on which the Bureau of Education would make a survey of the public school system of that city. This study of the Memphis schools is intended to be a study of policies and practices; not of persons.…

A teaching unit uses the songs of sailors, loggers, coal miners, and other workers to illustrate how the United States was built in the nineteenth century. Words and music for seven songs are given, along with classroom activities to help children understand occupations and industries during that time. (PP)

Six drills are presented to enhance aural sensitivity in students who may have only minimal knowledge of music theory. The exercises require little preclass preparation and none takes longer than five minutes. Drills cover scales, pitch and rhythm memory, pitch patterns, and corrective listening with pitch patterns and melodies. (SJL)

Discusses the benefits of introducing the culture of the target language into the second language classroom via the mass media -- newspapers, magazines, television, and popular music. (AM)

Suggests developmentally appropriate ways early childhood teachers can help young children express, interpret, and understand their experiences through song. Discusses the importance of singing for gaining music and literacy skills and encouraging self-expression and creativity. Includes tips related to posture, breathing, vocal exploration, vocal…

Addresses the importance of a stronger working relationship between researchers and practitioners within the music education field. Reviews topics that have been researched, such as child vocal development, vocal accuracy, and vocal modeling. Provides ideas on how researchers and practitioners can improve their relationship. Includes references.…

Although the difficulties encountered during the first half of the twentieth century by such singers as Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, and Roland Hayes are history, the recent struggles of black classical singers for recognition illustrate current barriers. Several prominent black opera and concert artists recount their experiences. (SLD)

Examines the effects of conductor verbalization, dynamic markings, conductor gesture, and choir dynamic level on individual singers' dynamic responses. Indicates that verbal instructions from the conductor elicited significantly stronger dynamic performance responses than did the other instructional conditions. Suggests that additional research…

Evaluates teaching sequences in high-school choral rehearsals to provide insight into the relationship between ensemble achievement and performance preparation. Indicates that teacher pace improvement is unrelated to ensemble maturity, teacher verbalization may not relate to success, and teacher assistance and instructions decrease with student…

Discusses using audiation and music aptitudes as teaching tools to allow students to reach their full music potential. Describes music audiation and aptitudes and focuses on the importance of early music experiences for developing music vocabularies and musical aptitude. (CMK)

Maintains that children's literature broadens students views and understanding of the past while also offering teachers a means for integrating the elementary curriculum. Provides an integrated unit using a literture-social studies connection that focuses on the Great American Prairie during the pioneer period and gives a list of supporting…

Discusses various methods for music teachers to adjust and prepare themselves for teaching prekindergarten students. Provides the two-track approach for teaching these younger students where the students work in large-group circle time experiences and also have opportunities to explore music on their own; singing, listening, moving, and playing…

Discusses the use of journal sheets with choral students. Addresses the benefits of journal sheets, such as providing a means to determine the level of students' critical thinking skills or as a way to reinforce concepts. Includes a copy of a journal sheet and journal sheet responses from choral students. (CMK)

Presents ideas on how to begin a chamber music ensemble. Discusses how to find time to accomplish chamber music playing in and around the school day. Presents short descriptions of chamber music that can be used with ensembles. Includes chamber music resources and additional chamber works. (CMK)