Low Cost MusicTechnology Options For The Music Education Classroom
Low Cost MusicTechnology Options For The Music Education Classroom

Finding ways to stretch your budget in a music classroom is always important and even more so when trying to purchase high tech electronics, software, and other materials.  This article provides an updated list of dozens of different low cost or free alternatives to expensive music education products.  It includes such categories as music notation software, drill design software, special needs hardware, and many more.

 

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The Star Spangled Banner- Free Sheet Music For Band Inst.
The Star Spangled Banner- Free Sheet Music For Band Inst.

This document contains sheet music for all common instruments to play The Star Spangled Banner, also known as the sheet music to the National Anthem of the United States of America. You can view the sheet music online or download the individual parts arranged for all common concert band instruments.  If you do not see your instrument listed please scroll to the bottom of the page and try one of the the other instruments.  Most musicians will be able to find at least one instrumental part that matches their range and preferred key signature.  If you are seeking a simple piano version of the song please select from the voice, trumpet, or alto saxophone versions.

 

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Using Plickers as an Assessment Tool in the Music Education Classroom
Using Plickers as an Assessment Tool in the Music Education Classroom

Music, band, choir, and orchestra classrooms can be huge and assessing the knowledge and retention of individual students in such a large class can be daunting.  Plickers are one of several solutions that can be adapted to work in large groups, making the act of assessing a student’s understanding a little easier and a whole lot faster.  

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Is Marching Band A Sport? Pros, Cons, and a Reality Check
Is Marching Band A Sport? Pros, Cons, and a Reality Check

In recent years the question of whether or not marching band is a sport has been brought up time and time again for various reasons and by various groups.  On one side you have the YES crowd who says that marching band is competitive, physically demanding, and every bit as much a team event as any traditional sporting event.  On the other side of the coin are those who say no, that marching band is NOT a sport and it is a musical pursuit that happens to involve coordinated movements.  Both sides are right, but to make a final decision we need to look deeper into the facts.  Read on to find out what they are!

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Portable Digital Audio Recorder Buying Guide With Reviews
Portable Digital Audio Recorder Buying Guide With Reviews

Scroll down to view the comparison chart of over a dozen different portable digital audio recorders.

Buying a portable digital audio recorder is a major decision.  The balance between price, features, and quality is a fine line that has many different options to choose from.  There are dozens of different models of portable digital audio recorders, some of which have drastically different sets of features yet sell for roughly the same price.  This easy to read head to head comparison chart and guide to many of the more popular portable digital audio recorders is intended to help potential buyers more easily see these differences and make an educated buying decision.

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Apps and More for the Choral Classroom
Apps and More for the Choral Classroom

The number of apps, software, and gadgets available for use in the music classroom continues to grow each year but finding things that can actually be beneficial to your classes grows more and more difficult as well.  We spoke with Dr. Christopher Russell, Director of Choirs at Oltman Middle School in St. Paul Park, Minnesota to get his must-have list of apps.

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Ten Stress Rellief Tips for Band Directors

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A Band RehearsalThis is the second of two articles written by David Law, past president of the Iowa Bandmaster's Association on the topic of keeping your spirit up as a band director.  After a while the constant grind of preparing for concerts or organizing other events and rehearsals wears a person down.  As a band director you need to find a way to keep your spirits up and your passion for music education alive.  Read on to learn ten great tips to help you keep your chin up and the fire burning.

{mosimage}Here are some simple suggestions to help band directors renew their spirit and passion for teaching music.

  1. Delegate. A student can take attendance and fulfill many other tasks as well. Even if they are not done to your standard they will be done, and not everything needs to be done to the highest order of perfection.

  2. Take a different route to work each day. Variety is the spice of life.

  3. Rely more on your parent organization if you have one. They too can take many of the smaller tasks of your list of things to do. Small tasks can eat up just as much time as big ones!

  4. If you eat at your desk occasionally go to the teacher's lounge. It is good to not become isolated and become a recluse. Not only is it good for the other teachers in the buiulding to know that you exist but you can gain refreshing insights into students and other faculty members. Often there is time for a good laugh and that can make the day go smoother.

  5. Meet and greet your students at the door as they come into the band room. Give out more compliments and smile. Just the act of smiling improves your personal outlook and a smile can become infectious.

  6. Let your students sit in different spots during rehearsals. This is an excellent way to work on blend and precision. The students will enjoy the change and if you can see past the tubas (who usually run to sit in the front row) you may also enjoy the change.

  7. Schedule time for your wife and family. I know this sounds obvious, but if you don't put it in your planner you can easily overlook this time to decompress and fill it with yet one more thing that needs to be done for the band program.

  8. No one, on their deathbed, ever wishes that they had spent more time in the office. A little quiet time can work miracles. Find that quiet spot and read a book (not a professional journal) go see a movie or just watch a sunset. Even five minutes makes a difference.

  9. Take time to get in touch with your own spirit. Through church or inspirational readings it is important to reconnect with that “spark” that got us interested in music, kids, and life.

  10. Go to professional conferences. Take the time off and get away from your school. You, your program, and your kids will be better off for the time you spend at the conference.

About the Author:

David Law is a career music educator and past president of the Iowa Bandmaster's Association. He currently teaches band at Vernon Middle School in Marion, Iowa.



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