Teaching Band and Orchestra : Methods and Materials

by Cooper, Lynn Graydon

• ISBN13: 9781579992750
• ISBN10: 1579992757
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Trade Book
• Copyright: 2004-04-01
• Publisher: GIA Publishing Inc.

Summary

This book covers every critical area in the professional life of band and orchestra teachers working at the primary and secondary levels. Topics explored include recruiting and retention, creating lesson plans, assessment, curriculum development, selecting literature, running effective rehearsals, and organising concerts. Also addressed are the administrative realities of being a music teacher, from the job search to fundraising. A plethora of forms, sample letters, charts, and lists of suggested literature round out this resource-packed text.

Table of Contents

Introduction	ix
Acknowledgements	xi
PART I: THE BEGINNING PROGRAM
Chapter One: Laying the Foundation	3	(16)
Roles and Goals	3	(8)
Five Principles	11	(2)
Instructional Groupings	13	(2)
Instrumentation	15	(4)
Chapter Two: Recruiting and Retaining Beginning Students	19	(22)
Recruitment Strategies	19	(14)
Communication	20	(4)
Data Gathering	24	(1)
Activities and Resources	25	(8)
Aptitude Testing	33	(2)
Student Retention	35	(6)
Chapter Three: Planning for Success	41	(22)
Materials	41	(2)
The First Lessons	43	(4)
Lesson Plans	47	(8)
Student Assessment	55	(2)
Teacher Self-Evaluation	57	(6)
PART II: THE SECONDARY PROGRAM
Chapter Four: Building a Curriculum	63	(24)
Program Balance	63	(3)
The Instrumental Program	63	(2)
The Total Secondary Music Program	65	(1)
What to Teach	66	(10)
Non-Performance Courses	66	(1)
Concert Ensembles	66	(2)
Other Ensembles	68	(19)
Marching Band	69	(1)
Jazz Ensemble	70	(3)
Pep Band	73	(1)
Chamber Ensembles	74	(1)
String Ensembles	75	(1)
Community Bands and Orchestras	75	(1)
Course Descriptions	76	(2)
Sequential Instruction	78	(1)
Scheduling Issues	79	(8)
Chapter Five: Selecting Literature and Organizing the Music Library	87	(30)
"Good" Music	87	(5)
A Good Match	88	(1)
The Search	88	(2)
The Selection	90	(2)
A Core Repertoire	92	(7)
The Band and Orchestra Library	99	(14)
Music Purchases	99	(4)
Music Library Organization	103	(7)
Large Ensemble Music	103	(4)
Solo and Ensemble Music	107	(3)
Music Library Facilitation	110	(3)
Summary	113	(4)
Chapter Six: Running Effective Rehearsals	117	(18)
Quality Rehearsals	117	(1)
A Success Plan	118	(10)
The Daily Plan-Rehearsal Content	119	(1)
Warm-up Strategies	119	(3)
Ensemble Intonation	122	(1)
Technique Building in the Ensemble	123	(1)
Problem-Solving Time	124	(2)
Ensemble Sight-Reading	126	(1)
Rehearsal Closure	127	(1)
Rehearsal Environment	128	(1)
Teaching Ensemble Sight-Reading	129	(6)
Importance	129	(1)
Skill Development	129	(1)
Suggestions	130	(2)
Final Thoughts	132	(3)
Chapter Seven: Programming and Performing	135	(22)
The Performance Schedule	135	(2)
Concert Logistics and Concerns	137	(4)
Reminders for Conductors	140	(1)
Audience Development	141	(2)
Programs and Ushers	143	(11)
Summary	154	(3)
Chapter Eight: Considering Some Core Issues	157	(42)
Motivation and Discipline	157	(6)
The Problem	157	(3)
Some Solutions	160	(1)
Some Specific Suggestions to Enhance the Learning Environment	161	(2)
Major Events	163	(29)
Festivals and Contests	163	(3)
Festival Hosting	166	(10)
Suggestions for Festival Performances	176	(1)
Ensemble Tours	177	(15)
Competition for Music Groups	192	(7)
Chapter Nine: Organizing and Administering the Program	199	(48)
Program Organization	199	(19)
Band and Orchestra Handbooks	200	(6)
Forms and Files	206	(9)
Music Student Files	215	(1)
Student Awards Program	215	(3)
Facilities and Equipment	218	(6)
School-owned Instruments, Equipment, and Uniforms	224	(9)
Instruments and Equipment	224	(8)
Uniforms	232	(1)
Student Helpers	233	(3)
Student Staff	233	(2)
Student Leaders	235	(1)
Parent Helpers	236	(11)
Booster Clubs	236	(11)
Chapter Ten: Organizing and Administering Your Teaching	247	(26)
Rehearsal Organization	247	(20)
Seating Plans	247	(5)
Auditions and Challenges	252	(5)
Assessment and Grades	257	(10)
Private Lessons	267	(1)
Technology in the Music Program	268	(1)
Teaching Away from Your Expertise	269	(4)
Chapter Eleven: Handling Business Issues	273	(28)
A Public Relations Program	273	(15)
Long-Term Public Relations	276	(2)
Event Promotion	278	(10)
Business Skills and the Ensemble Director	288	(8)
Budget Practices and Procedures	288	(5)
Fundraising	293	(3)
The School Music Dealer	296	(5)
PART III: THE BIG PICTURE
Chapter Twelve: Knowing the Profession Today	301	(16)
Education Reform	301	(3)
Program Goals	304	(3)
National Standards for Arts Education	307	(5)
Music Education Research	312	(5)
Chapter Thirteen: Exploring Personal Issues for the Music Educator	317	(26)
The Job Search	317	(16)
The Paperwork	318	(6)
The Interview	324
Where Are the Jobs?	317	(16)
Ethics	333	(3)
Relational Skills	336	(1)
Professional Development	337	(2)
A Complete Education	339	(1)
Habits of Effective Teachers	340	(3)
Chapter Fourteen: Contemplating Then, Now, and Why in Music Education	343	(36)
Historic and Current Influences	343	(15)
Introduction	343	(1)
Music in the New World	344	(1)
The Influence of the Church in Colonial America	345	(1)
Singing Schools	346	(1)
The Work of Lowell Mason and Others	347	(4)
The Growth of Music in the Schools	351	(2)
Struggles for the Arts	353	(1)
New Directions	354	(2)
Back to Basics	356	(1)
Instrumental Music Education Today	357	(1)
A Personal Philosophy of Music Education	358	(23)
Philosophical Positions	359	(1)
Contributions to Music Education Philosophical Thought	360	(4)
Sample Philosophies	364	(3)
Writing Your Music Education Philosophy	367	(1)
Some Quotes for Reflection	368	(11)
Final Comments	379	(2)
APPENDICES
A: Suggested Band Literature (grades 1-6)	381	(13)
B: Suggested Orchestra Literature (grades 1-6)	394	(6)
C: Recommended Reading for Music Educators	400	(2)
D: Internet Sites for Instrumental
Music Educators	402	(3)
INDEX	405