A year-long music instruction unit introduces students to information about the lives of nine great composers of the classics and to their works. Each month a different composer is featured. No special training for teachers is necessary. (PP)

Band directors and state music supervisors were asked if student musicians are exploited at athletic events. This article includes the supervisors' survey tabulations, Minnesota and North Dakota state position papers on band performances, and the responses of three high school and college band directors. (SJL)

Outlines a series of simple yet effective practices, techniques, and tips for improving the singing voice and minimizing stress on the vocal chords. Describes the four components for producing vocal sound: respiration, phonation, resonation, and articulation. Provides exercises for each and lists symptoms of sickness and vocal strain. (MJP)

Examines the interrelationships between young children's literacy growth and music development. Discusses five ways in which song picture books promote language growth. Suggests early childhood activities and materials for using song picture books as a resource for an integrated, developmentally appropriate curriculum. (Author/KB)

Summarizes and provides a historical introduction to the work of Emile Jacques-Dalcroze. A turn-of-the-century educator, musician, and theorist, he developed eurythmics. This was a method of teaching music through movement that is still popular. Discusses basic principles of eurythmics and other methods. (MJP)

Describes an activity in which students reverse-translate proteins from their amino acid sequences back to their DNA sequences then assign musical notes to represent the adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine bases. Data is obtained from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on the Internet. (DDR)

Questions how musical events educate, examining the debate between emotional and cognitive responses. Compiles arguments from musicoaesthetic and musicotherapeutic discourses. Identifies limitations in each line of reasoning as it explores how the musical experience is located in the self. Suggests a relationship between voice and mood. Offers…

Four articles explain how English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teachers can help students create stories around pieces of music, use geography exercises to develop English and cognitive skills, learn about foreign cultures from their peers, and use magazine articles as the basis for role playing. A fifth article discusses the use of introspective…

Suggests that the bias linking guitars to popular culture has needlessly limited approaches to teaching guitar. Examines how each of five current programs develops different music skills. Advocates a comprehensive, multifaceted program capable of emphasizing student skills in melody, harmony, perception, creativity, and performance over six years…

Using recorded music in elementary classrooms encourages creative learning. The article offers ideas for using music in language arts and social studies; suggestions for using literature about children's songs to promote classroom unity; a model for using computers to integrate music, language, and art; and a guide to music resources. (SM)

Asserts that the difference between average marching band performance and the truly memorable performances is a result of creative charting. Discusses four stages of creative thought that can be applied to marching band strategy: (1) preparation; (2) incubation; (3) illumination; and (4) verification. (CFR)

Describes MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) technology and music education; provides information on conducting a MIDI workshop for all ages; and offers guidelines for creating a MIDI workstation for the classroom. Hardware and software vendor contact information is provided. (PEN)

Summarizes the results of a study concerning the efficacy of block scheduling for music programs. High school band directors in Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky responded to questionnaires. Results were mixed, although most directors agreed that scheduling works best when music teachers and administrators work together to individualize a schedule.…

Identifies key aspects of producing talent shows and outlines helpful hints for avoiding pitfalls and ensuring a smooth production. Presents suggestions concerning publicity, scheduling, and support personnel. Describes types of acts along with special needs and problems specific to each act. Includes a list of resources. (MJP)

Advocates using the singing voice and the study of folk music in instrumental instruction. Recommends instrumental teachers confer with voice teachers to coordinate ideas and terminology. Includes several excerpts of scores and musical exercises, as well as a list of selected resources. (MJP)