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.

 

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.

 

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.  

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!

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.

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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Sony DVP-K85P Karaoke PlayerThere are a lot of personal Karaoke players available on the open market today. When finding a Karaoke player to purchase, it can be hard to select a player that will provide the best performance at the best price. When looking at purchasing a Karaoke player, things such as player size, screen size, player weight, and the availability of Karaoke music downloads for the player need to be taken into account. There are some Karaoke players that meet the needs of a personal singer that exceed the rest of the competition.

 

The Sony DVP-K85P Karaoke Player

For those who are looking for a Karaoke setup that will allow the playback of DVD's as well, Sony's DVP-K85P should do the trick. The K85P is a fully functional Karaoke player that also has the ability to play DVD movies. This Karaoke system is ideal for an entertainment system and allows for easy configuration to meet your Karaoke needs. It's compatible with a wide range of Karaoke gear, making it a quality option for those wanting it all.

The VocoPro CDG-500RF Home Entertainment System

Another home entertainment system option for a Karaoke machine is the VocoPro CDG-500RF . This player goes as far as actually allowing you to create a demo tape of your Karaoke performances. While it can be used for club entertainment, the thing that makes the VocoPro stand out for home usage is the fact that it can connect to a DVD player or a laser disk player and turn those devices into a Karaoke machine as well. Finally, it should be noted that this device has a cassette deck, allowing you to load and sing the oldies with ease.

VocoPro MJ-MKII Home Entertainment System

VocoPro also offers the MJ-MKII, which is an external USB 80GB hard drive that has Karaoke options. The MJ-MKII easily hooks up to a television without the need for a computer, making it ideal to carry to a friends house on Karaoke night. Since the Karaoke player is nothing more than an external hard drive, you can easily add your favorite Karaoke music downloads without the hassle of having to buy cassettes and CD's.

Is your budget lower than the price of these items? If so, the best option is to purchase a Karaoke player from a local electronics store such as Best Buy or Wal-Mart. These companies have many personal Karaoke players in stock that will do the job without costing you a fortune. While they can't compete with some of the more elite personal Karaoke players, these budget players work very well and include many features that all Karaoke singers need.

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