Finding ways to motivate the students in our large ensembles is among our most important challenges. To provide you with strategies to do so, this post draws from material originally presented at the 2017 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic.
Featured Content: The Otamatone Note Ninja Songbook
The Otamatone Note Ninja Songbook is a brand-new beginning Otamatone method, available exclusively in SmartMusic. If you’re new to the world of the Otamatone, the video below offers a brief introduction (by Otama the Tone himself) and a performance of one of the pieces in the book.
Gender-Biased Instrument Selection – One Tuba Girl’s Opinion
I play, teach, and adore the tuba. The fact that I am a female has weaved in and out of my tuba-playing status since I began my study of the instrument at age nine.
After Women’s History Month: Supporting the Music Industry’s Next Generation
In honoring March as Women’s History month we recognize the achievements of women from the past. We take this opportunity to talk about women composers who have been overlooked, female performers and conductors, and women who are music educators and advocates.
Featured Content: The Haunted Carousel by Erika Svanoe
The Haunted Carousel is a grade 3 piece for band (with optional iPad theremin). Composed by Minnesota conductor, composer, and educator Erika Svanoe, it is a delightfully spooky and quirky piece that captivates students and audience members alike.
Music Ed Mentor Podcast #044: As a Woman in Music Education
Today we are continuing our celebration of Women’s History Month. My guest is Adriana Linares, a professional violist, music educator, entrepreneur, and mother.
Video Tips from Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band: Mastering Difficult Passages
Given the chance, who wouldn’t eavesdrop on a recording session by Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band? Certainly no one in our office!
Learn to “Think Principal” and Increase Your Professional Credibility and Effectiveness
Regardless of what duties you see your principals performing, they are first and foremost leaders of learning with considerable experience in collaboration.
March Repertoire Update Featuring Women in Music
March is Women’s History Month. As part of our celebration, we’ve added a Women in Music tile to the SmartMusic carousel.
Programming Women Composers
If you spend any time on the internet, you are most likely aware of the current calls to program more music by women and people of color.