Alicia DeSoto & Chris Meredith are currently band directors at Lewisville High School in Lewisville ISD, TX.
Literacy: the ability to read and write
Music Literacy: the ability to read, write, and play music
What can we do as music educators to develop music literacy in our classrooms, with the same level of detail and care that elementary school teachers pour into their young readers and writers?
Musicians are multitaskers. Our brains, fingers, and bodies do so many things all at once to perform with our instruments.
My favorite thing in the world to teach is fundamentals. The development and continued refinement of fundamental skills are key to the overall success of our students and ensembles.
The sound of any ensemble is its first impression on the listener; therefore, this should be the priority. There are 3 elements of the band sound: Breathing, Tone, and Intonation.
We don’t need to remind you that December performances are right around the corner—your opportunity to spread holiday cheer while showcasing the skills your students have been working on this semester.
It seems that we’re on the other side of the pandemic, with many school band programs rebuilding and returning to the sort of wonderful ensemble experiences that make them the worthwhile endeavors they are for all involved!
At the beginning of the year, the band hall is ripe with potential! Beginners walk through our doors with wonder and excitement, maybe some nerves—only natural in the newness.
We are excited to announce that searching for marching band titles in MakeMusic Cloud just got easier! You can now select Marching Band under Categories in the filters section of the Search app to quickly see all titles that are available for marching bands.
Having enjoyed more than thirty years in choral classrooms, I’ve had lots of experience with what works, and what doesn’t.
Sometimes you reach a place in your ensemble rehearsal where woodshedding a few difficult measures is no longer fun – or effective.