Suggests ways in which popular songs from the world war eras can be used effectively to evoke the emotional character of the period. Successful uses are as a subject for pupil-based research, as the basis of a music folio containing additional information about the subject, and as a means of creating an authentic war period atmosphere. (DB)

Describes 11 documents in the ERIC system which describe language activities in the context of music, drama, games, and visual stimuli. (DD)

Children have an innate ability to like and produce music, and elementary teachers have a responsibility for developing this aptitude. (MB)

Details the history and process of a musical theater activity aimed at satisfying multiple intelligences and diverse talents at many levels of a middle school. Specifically describes: (1) how the project started; (2) performing two classics; (3) performance of Broadway Junior musicals; (4) continued support and enthusiasm; and (5) continued staff…

Highlights the importance of inclusion of music in preschool curriculum. Promotes using a variety of musical activities to stimulate imagination including quiet listening, marching while clanging instruments, dancing, singing, and playing games. Provides suggestions on where to start, songs, rhythm instruments, musical props, stories and music,…

Traces the history of the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) from 1920 to World War II. States that the WSMA, as the first association for school bands, sponsored the largest school band tournaments in the United States and that a portion of its constitution served as a model for the National School Band Association. (KO)

Examines the influences that have shaped today's school music programs by reviewing the history of instrumental music in the United States. Points out the pervasiveness of the military influence on uniforms, music, and marching styles. Discusses European influences, band contests, businesses associated with bands, and the effects of recent budget…

Instructors are prepared to use Spanish versions of English-speaking and bilingual artists' recordings to teach language structures and enhance the five skill areas. This article reviews the literature and pedagogical use of songs and also provides a list of recordings, recommendations for classroom use, and two sample lesson plans. (Contains 20…

Choice making in leisure-activity preferences was studied with a woman (age 27) with profound mental retardation in a residential setting. Results suggest the participant could express distinct musical preference when given choice-making opportunities, and preference patterns varied with the activity partner and/or the locale. (Author/SW)

This study examined the relationships between children's musical ability and various factors of social environment and child characteristics. There was a positive correlation between children's musical aptitude and fathers' encouragement and children's cognitive and creative abilities. Cognitive ability was the only significant predictor of…

Describes a music project that promoted interaction between culturally diverse students by involving students from an eighth-grade class in both an inner-city school and a suburban school. Expounds that the students explored rhythm, texture, improvisation, ostinatos, dynamics, and form in a hands-on musical environment. Reveals that cooperative…

Maintains that solo singing is an important tool for developing children's voices for two reasons: (1) the music educator can assess a student's vocal development and then give feedback as needed; and (2) children have a chance to hear their own voices and learn how to produce a good vocal sound. (CMK)

Explores the effects of multicultural music-lesson planning on preservice elementary teachers' attitudes toward teaching from a multicultural perspective. Reveals a significant relationship between exposure to multicultural music and attitudes of willingness to teach it; no effect was observed on attitudes of willingness to teach in culturally…

President Clinton's "Religious Expression in the Public Schools" guidelines, based on 50 years of court rulings, have proved useful and helped reduce controversy. Problems continue in three areas: proselytizing by adults, musical programs falling short of the desired neutrality, and teaching appropriately about religion. Other curricular…

Discusses ways for early childhood educators to encourage young children's creativity in music. Argues that teachers often present music as a teacher-guided activity used to control children, and that musical education can be facilitated by allowing children to guide their own musical explorations. (JPB)