SKU: AP.45997
UPC: 038081525747. English.
Whether it's high school, college, or professional football, nothing is more exciting than watching the action on 1st and Goal! This piece depicts the high energy of this fast-moving sport through the use of driving rhythms, melodic brass lines, and soaring woodwinds. (3:10).
SKU: HL.126663
ISBN 9781480386860. UPC: 888680004651. 8.5x11 inches. By John Jacobson and John Higgins.
Did you know that over 13 million Americans play soccer? The game that Brazilian 'football' legend Pele called “The Beautiful Game” is the setting for this amazingly entertaining musical that not only celebrates the beauty and glory of the sport, but also the value of good sportsmanship, setting goals, being a part of a team and more. GOAL is a musical that every cast member will love to perform, whether sports is their 'thing' or not. In this musical, nobody is cut from the team, and with musical styles from Latin to Rap and Pop to Broadway, we celebrate setting goals and working as a team to accomplish amazing things together! This ALL-SCHOOL 25-minute musical features five original songs and script with over 30 speaking parts. The ENHANCED Teacher Edition includes piano/vocal arrangements with choreography, helpful production guide with staging and costume suggestions, PLUS an enclosed CD-ROM with reproducible singer and speaking parts. Suggested for Grades 1-5. 25 minutes.
SKU: HL.126662
ISBN 9781480386853. UPC: 888680004644. 5x5 inches. By John Jacobson and John Higgins.
SKU: HL.126664
ISBN 9781480386877. UPC: 888680004668. 5.0x5.0x0.15 inches. By John Jacobson and John Higgins.
Did you know that over 13 million Americans play soccer? The game that Brazilian 'football' legend Pele called “The Beautiful Game†is the setting for this amazingly entertaining musical that not only celebrates the beauty and glory of the sport, but also the value of good sportsmanship, setting goals, being a part of a team and more. GOAL is a musical that every cast member will love to perform, whether sports is their 'thing' or not. In this musical, nobody is cut from the team, and with musical styles from Latin to Rap and Pop to Broadway, we celebrate setting goals and working as a team to accomplish amazing things together! This ALL-SCHOOL 25-minute musical features five original songs and script with over 30 speaking parts. The ENHANCED Teacher Edition includes piano/vocal arrangements with choreography, helpful production guide with staging and costume suggestions, PLUS an enclosed CD-ROM with reproducible singer and speaking parts. Suggested for Grades 1-5. 25 minutes.
SKU: MB.30798
ISBN 9781513465340. 8.75 x 11.75 inches.
Jason Raso?s Soloing on Electric Bass: A Chord Tone Approach provides the next step following his first book for Mel Bay Publications, Improvising on Electric Bass. The primary focus of this second book is to help you develop a more melodic approach to solo bass playing. The author suggests avoiding root notes, concentrating instead on chord tones of a 3rd, 5th, and 7th as fertile ground to begin revising your approach to more creative soloing. Following a series of standard notation exercises exploring intervals and goal notes in all keys, Jason presents a dozen original solo etudes in notation and tablature.
SKU: AP.45997S
UPC: 038081525754. English.
SKU: GI.G-9542
ISBN 9781622772803.
The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Quality Music Assessment Program is a hands-on, step-by-step action plan to use assessment to improve your teaching and your students’ performances. This expanded Second Edition of the popular Scale Your Way to Music Assessment provides examples of how to teach student musicians at every level—elementary, middle, and high school—to become accurate and consistent assessors of musical performance. This book also describes how to meaningfully self- and peer-assess, and set goals for practicing and improving the performances of a group. The ultimate goal is to enhance learning and education through assessment. Also included are appendices with actual written and listening tests, outlines of a testing program for band, choir, and orchestra, a glossary of terms—and more. The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Quality Music Assesement Program includes everything you'll need to develop your program. New downloadable resources include sample data, tests for all grade levels, music examples, and reference material. The extensive range of topics in this revised edition incorporate exemplars for all grade levels of a music program, including: Developing performance assessments Aligning music department goals Developing written assessments with district and school goals Developing listening assessments Writing course goals Writing music tests Helping a program realize its vision Involving students in taking responsibility Integrating the National Core Arts Standards for improving skills Updating references and websites A review of test-making software Frequently asked questions While reading the second edition of Scale Your Way, I was reminded of why I liked the book to begin with: lots of concrete ideas, a throrough treatment based on years of experience, an accurate and useful discussion of classroom assessment, and—most of all—it puts students in the driver's seat. The person doing the assesing does the learning. The authors' discussions in the book also have the added benefit of helping teachers develop the classroom role they want to have—coaches and cheerleaders rather than enforcers. —Judy Arter, author, musician, and consultant for Educational Testing Service.
SKU: GI.G-9693
ISBN 9781622772582.
This book is the guide for teachers to give to all parents enrolled in First Steps in Music classes.  First Steps in Music Parent Handbook provides teachers of parent-child classes a concise and detailed resource that establishes the goals and objective for the infant and toddler or preschool classes. The primary goal of the First Steps in Music classes is for each child to reach his or her musical potential. Parent participation is the key ingredient to the success of the program. By establishing a clearly defined set of expectations for teachers, parents, and children, the parents will be able to replicate their child's classroom musical experiences at home. In Chapter 2 of the First Steps in Music Parent Handbook, the teacher and parents will find information about registration, class schedules, tuition, fees, cancellation policies, make up policies, and more. Chapter 3 gives detailed expectations for teachers, parents, and children. Chapter 4 outlines the class structure and curriculum components for each type of class. The classes are divided into four age-related sections: (1) Infants: birth to 12 months, (2) Toddler: 13 to 29 months, (3) Nursery: 30 to 42 months, (4) Preschool: 3.5 to 5 years. Chapter 5 discusses the Lending Library. Chapter 6 addresses the techniques used during class. Chapter 7 is a commitment form for the parents that says they agree to the guidelines suggested in the handbook. This much-needed book is a must for any teacher wanting to set up parent-child infant and toddler or preschool classes where the ultimate goal is to help children become musically independent and develop a lifelong love and appreciation of music as they become tuneful, beatful, and artful! Connie Greenwood is the lead teacher and director of the First Steps in Music program at the University of Hartford’s Hartt Community Division in West Hartford, CT.
SKU: GI.G-9820
ISBN 9781622773527.
This convenient workbook contains thirty practical and engaging activities for music educators implementing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum in their classrooms. Each worksheet corresponds to an exercise detailed in Scott N. Edgar’s pioneering book Music Education and Social Emotional Learning: The Heart of Teaching Music. These activities offer students the opportunity to reflect musically, socially, and emotionally, and also enhance individual social emotional competence and musicianship. These activities are well-suited for musical and SEL assessment purposes. This workbook is organized into sections based on the three core SEL goals: Self, Others, and Decisions. Edgar first defines each goal and then provides teachers with learning standards and skill sets for each goal. This workbook also includes a series of thoughtful reflection questions at the end of each section, which students may respond to in a developmentally appropriate way.  As an added convenience, the workbook contains a unique code allowing the purchaser to download an electronic file containing select worksheets, along with permission to reproduce them. The Music Education and Social Emotional Learning Student Workbook is perfect for any teachers hoping to better equip themselves with the tools to implement a musical SEL curriculum, help their students, and truly teach music with heart!    Scott N. Edgar is a professor of music at Lake Forest College in Illinois and presents internationally on music education and social emotional learning. He has taught instrumental music in Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. .
SKU: GI.G-10003
ISBN 9781622774135.
Help your students Level Up! their sight-reading skills using their minds and ears, as well their voices! Level Up! is a sequential, interactive, and comprehensive resource built from the authors’ decades of research and experience teaching students of all levels and ages. Using the concept of target skills (isolated pitch and rhythm patterns), Level Up! guides students to carefully understand and analyze every new skill by difficulty. Authors Michele L. Henry and Keitha Lucas Hamann then reinforce each skill by asking students to sight-read specially sequenced practice melodies. Each of the five volumes—Foundational, Emerging, Minor, Developing, and Advanced—is designed as an interactive workbook for students to mark up, and is available in both treble clef and bass clef editions. The companion Teacher Manuals include clear instructions for how to best use the Level Up! system, outline the approach and sequencing, and provide assessments. Level Up! supports the artistic literacy goals of the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards (NCCAS) and many state music education standards. The companion website, giamusic.com/levelup, provides even more reinforcement. The goal of Level Up! is simple: to help students become independent and confident musicians, with benefits to last a lifetime! Michele L. Henry, Ph.D. is Professor of Choral Music Education at Baylor University, Waco, Texas. Keitha Lucas Hamann, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.  Level Up! is the most sequential approach to the teaching of sight-reading that I’ve ever seen! Designed for use with singers at the middle school through high school levels, the methodology aligns with National Standards, UIL, and TEKS, and is range related for developing voices. Within each lesson, specific skills are targeted and the interactive approach further encourages the mastery of skills. Individual assessment is provided both for long-term and short-term goals, thus creating a complete and accessible methodology which can be used in any choral or general music classroom. —Lynne Gackle, Director of Choral Activities, Baylor University This book fills a unique niche in the field. I love that it takes the needs of developing/changing voice singers into account and that students can write in the books like a workbook as they are learning the tools for sight singing. Teachers will definitely appreciate the opportunities for assessment built into the series. —Jessica Nápoles, Associate Professor of Choral Music Education, University of North Texas As a teacher, I really do love this resource. It’s broken down in a way that makes it very easy to incorporate into my lessons, and the fact that it’s sequential and very clear about the concepts introduced at each level is extremely helpful. I can see my students (beginners especially) getting better and more confident with their sight-reading. I look forward to using this resource as our primary sight-reading resource! —Courtney Neva, Choir Director, Dripping Springs High School.
SKU: GI.G-10005
SKU: GI.G-10008
SKU: GI.G-10007
SKU: GI.G-10004
ISBN 9781622774142.
SKU: GI.G-10001
ISBN 9781622774111.
SKU: GI.G-10002
ISBN 9781622774128.
SKU: GI.G-10006
SKU: CF.CM9734
ISBN 9781491161142. UPC: 680160919734. Key: A minor. English. Basque Carol.
A Basque Carol (also known as Gabriel's Message) holds a special place in Western music. The carol originates from Basque country around the 13th century, based on the Latin hymn, Angelus ad Virginem (likely of Franciscan origin). The tune quickly spread throughout Europe, finding popularity in Britain where it was even referenced in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales: Playing so sweetly that the chamber rang; / and Angelus ad virginem he sang. . .. Interestingly, the melody we know and love today is derived from the original Basque version. In my view, this tune is a perfect example of melody-crafting. It is at once hauntingly beautiful, yet warm and joyous. Its contours are complex, dramatic, yet singable. I believe this melodic accessibility is the key to the song's lasting popularity. I would also attribute A Basque Carol's continued popularity to its elegant translation into English (by Sabine Baring-Gould, who rediscovered the original Basque tune). Translations often risk sounding unimaginative, coarse, and blunt. This translation is strikingly different. It was graced with an especially poetic translation including lines such as his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame. I am very excited to offer a new perspective on this classic carol, joining the tradition of composers preserving and reimagining a priceless medieval melody. My first goal was to create a flowing, richly-textured, even cinematic string accompaniment for the choir. This approach was very much inspired by the dense, string-writing style of English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. My second goal was to make the arrangement flexible enough to be performed with only choir, only strings, or (best of all) both ensembles combined. To further complement this approach, I've added an obligato line for a solo recorder (solo flute or violin work just as well). If you listen carefully, you will hear a quote from my other favorite holiday carol, Jesu Bambino. I hope you enjoy performing A Basque Carol. I especially hope that you sense the ancient magic cast into this tune, hearing the ineffable qualities that have compelled us to sustain it for nearly a millennium. Whether you're a choir, a string orchestra, or a combined ensemble, this arrangement of A Basque Carol will surely be a haunting and lovely addition to your next holiday program!.A Basque Carol (also known as Gabriel’s Message) holds a special place in Western music. The carol originates from Basque country around the 13th century, based on the Latin hymn, Angelus ad Virginem (likely of Franciscan origin). The tune quickly spread throughout Europe, finding popularity in Britain where it was even referenced in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales: “Playing so sweetly that the chamber rang; / and Angelus ad virginem he sang. . .â€.Interestingly, the melody we know and love today is derived from the original Basque version. In my view, this tune is a perfect example of melody-crafting. It is at once hauntingly beautiful, yet warm and joyous. Its contours are complex, dramatic, yet singable. I believe this melodic accessibility is the key to the song’s lasting popularity. I would also attribute A Basque Carol’s continued popularity to its elegant translation into English (by Sabine Baring-Gould, who rediscovered the original Basque tune). Translations often risk sounding unimaginative, coarse, and blunt. This translation is strikingly different. It was graced with an especially poetic translation including lines such as “his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame.â€I am very excited to offer a new perspective on this classic carol, joining the tradition of composers preserving and reimagining a priceless medieval melody. My first goal was to create a flowing, richly-textured, even cinematic string accompaniment for the choir. This approach was very much inspired by the dense, string-writing style of English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. My second goal was to make the arrangement flexible enough to be performed with only choir, only strings, or (best of all) both ensembles combined. To further complement this approach, I’ve added an obligato line for a solo recorder (solo flute or violin work just as well). If you listen carefully, you will hear a quote from my other favorite holiday carol, Jesu Bambino.I hope you enjoy performing A Basque Carol. I especially hope that you sense the ancient magic cast into this tune, hearing the ineffable qualities that have compelled us to sustain it for nearly a millennium. Whether you’re a choir, a string orchestra, or a combined ensemble, this arrangement of A Basque Carol will surely be a haunting and lovely addition to your next holiday program!
SKU: CF.CAS10
ISBN 9780825847615. UPC: 798408047610. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: G major.
With this arrangement, my goal is to maintain the integrity of the original work, while making it accessible to the younger orchestra. An important aspect of the successful performance of this piece is maintaining an energetic tempo. The repeated eighth notes in the accompaniment should be played cleanly and crisply to maintain momentum. There are many places where abrupt changes in dynamics occur. For example, m. 1 begins with a string unison forte, which suddenly drops to piano at m. 11. Accents, staccatos, and other articulations should be carefully observed. To be effective, crescendos should begin at a reasonable volume, so they have somewhere to go dynamically. I hope you and the orchestra enjoy this arrangement.With this arrangement, my goal is to maintain the integrity of the original work, while making it accessible to the younger orchestra. An important aspect of the successful performance of this piece is maintaining an energetic tempo. The repeated eighth notes in the accompaniment should be played cleanly and crisply to maintain momentum. There are many places where abrupt changes in dynamics occur. For example, m. 1 begins with a string unisonA forte, which suddenly drops toA piano at m. 11. Accents, staccatos, and other articulations should be carefully observed. To be effective, crescendos should begin at a reasonable volume, so they have somewhere to go dynamically. I hope you and the orchestra enjoy this arrangement.With this arrangement, my goal is to maintain the integrity of the original work, while making it accessible to the younger orchestra. An important aspect of the successful performance of this piece is maintaining an energetic tempo. The repeated eighth notes in the accompaniment should be played cleanly and crisply to maintain momentum. There are many places where abrupt changes in dynamics occur. For example, m. 1 begins with a string unison forte, which suddenly drops to piano at m. 11. Accents, staccatos, and other articulations should be carefully observed. To be effective, crescendos should begin at a reasonable volume, so they have somewhere to go dynamically. I hope you and the orchestra enjoy this arrangement.With this arrangement, my goal is to maintain the integrity of the original work, while making it accessible to the younger orchestra. An important aspect of the successful performance of this piece is maintaining an energetic tempo. The repeated eighth notes in the accompaniment should be played cleanly and crisply to maintain momentum. There are many places where abrupt changes in dynamics occur. For example, m. 1 begins with a string unison forte, which suddenly drops to piano at m. 11. Accents, staccatos, and other articulations should be carefully observed. To be effective, crescendos should begin at a reasonable volume, so they have somewhere to go dynamically. I hope you and the orchestra enjoy this arrangement.
About Carl Fischer Concert String Orchestra Series
This series of pieces (Grade 3 and higher) is designed for advancing ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:
SKU: CF.FAS27
ISBN 9780825854835. UPC: 798408054830. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: D major.
The title depicts the uplifting nature of the piece that inspires young players to have confidence and respect while living with character and integrity. The music is characterized by strong melodic intervals of fourths and fifths and dynamic contrasts, a Larry Clark signature that has made his music so popular. In addition, every player is an important part of the music. This is a perfect showpiece for developing groups for concerts or festivals.As a former teacher I always tried to use the experience of playing in an ensemble to teach students about being good people first b having confidence, being respectful, living with character and integrity. I choose to write music with titles that will stimulate students to strive for this high standard and I have tried to write pieces that will somehow musically depict these values. Integrity is one such piece. I hope you will find the main theme to be uplifting and with musical integrity, but within the reach of developing students. My themes usually are characterized by strong melodic intervals of fourths and fifths and this piece is no exception. It is also my goal when writing music for younger students to provide every section in the ensemble a chance to play important melodic material at some point in the piece. In my humble opinion, if students are given music they like to play they will want to practice it over and over again. The tempo markings and bowings indicated are only there as a guide and should be adjusted to the needs of your students. It has been my pleasure to have the opportunity to write this piece. I hope that you and your students find it useful for your program. LARRY CLARK Lakeland, Florida 2004.As a former teacher I always tried to use the experience of playing in an ensemble to teach students about being good people first b having confidence, being respectful, living with character and integrity. I choose to write music with titles that will stimulate students to strive for this high standard and I have tried to write pieces that will somehow musically depict these values.A Integrity is one such piece. I hope you will find the main theme to be uplifting and with musical integrity, but within the reach of developing students. My themes usually are characterized by strong melodic intervals of fourths and fifths and this piece is no exception. It is also my goal when writing music for younger students to provide every section in the ensemble a chance to play important melodic material at some point in the piece. In my humble opinion, if students are given music they like to play they will want to practice it over and over again. The tempo markings and bowings indicated are only there as a guide and should be adjusted to the needs of your students. It has been my pleasure to have the opportunity to write this piece. I hope that you and your students find it useful for your program. LARRY CLARK Lakeland, Florida 2004.As a former teacher I always tried to use the experience of playing in an ensemble to teach students about being good people first b having confidence, being respectful, living with character and integrity. I choose to write music with titles that will stimulate students to strive for this high standard and I have tried to write pieces that will somehow musically depict these values. Integrity is one such piece. I hope you will find the main theme to be uplifting and with musical integrity, but within the reach of developing students. My themes usually are characterized by strong melodic intervals of fourths and fifths and this piece is no exception. It is also my goal when writing music for younger students to provide every section in the ensemble a chance to play important melodic material at some point in the piece. In my humble opinion, if students are given music they like to play they will want to practice it over and over again. The tempo markings and bowings indicated are only there as a guide and should be adjusted to the needs of your students. It has been my pleasure to have the opportunity to write this piece. I hope that you and your students find it useful for your program. LARRY CLARK Lakeland, Florida 2004.As a former teacher I always tried to use the experience of playing in an ensemble to teach students about being good people first b having confidence, being respectful, living with character and integrity. I choose to write music with titles that will stimulate students to strive for this high standard and I have tried to write pieces that will somehow musically depict these values. Integrity is one such piece.I hope you will find the main theme to be uplifting and with musical integrity, but within the reach of developing students. My themes usually are characterized by strong melodic intervals of fourths and fifths and this piece is no exception. It is also my goal when writing music for younger students to provide every section in the ensemble a chance to play important melodic material at some point in the piece. In my humble opinion, if students are given music they like to play they will want to practice it over and over again.The tempo markings and bowings indicated are only there as a guide and should be adjusted to the needs of your students.It has been my pleasure to have the opportunity to write this piece. I hope that you and your students find it useful for your program.LARRY CLARKLakeland, Florida 2004.
SKU: CF.YPS249F
ISBN 9781491161883. UPC: 680160920563.
By Lantern's Light is a medley of Persian folk songs. The songs come from a collection for voice and piano by Clair Fairchild in his Twelve Persian Folk Songs published by Novello and Company, London, 1904. Fairchild's goal was to capture the spirit and ambiance of Persia's music and musicians. Fairchild took special care to preserve their authenticity by limiting western harmony. Such is also the case in this setting for concert band. Special attention should be given to replicate songlike phrasing of the melodic lines and the rhythmic integrity and style of the accompaniment. Conductors are encouraged to take liberties with dynamics and articulations to help performers play expressively. There are many inflections that exist beyond what is printed on the page. For example, the reeds might subtly shape the rhythmic accompaniment in m. 6-7, as might the trumpets with the melody in m. 18. In. m. 23, the wind musicians other than the trumpets are a part of the rhythm section with the percussion. These rhythms should fit together nicely to create a steady cadence. The melodic statements beginning at m. 35 should be carefully balanced to speak evenly throughout the various voices. If an oboist is not available, the solo in m. 57 has been cued in the alto saxophone.By Lantern's Light is a medley of Persian folk songs. The songs come from a collection for voice and piano by Clair Fairchild in his Twelve Persian Folk Songs published by Novello and Company, London, 1904. Fairchild's goal was to capture the spirit and ambiance of Persia's music and musicians. Fairchild took special care to preserve their authenticity by limiting western harmony. Such is also the case in this setting for concert band. Special attention should be given to replicate songlike phrasing of the melodic lines and the rhythmic integrity and style of the accompaniment. Conductors are encouraged to take liberties with dynamics and articulations to help performers play expressively. There are many inflections that exist beyond what is printed on the page. For example, the reeds might subtly shape the rhythmic accompaniment in m. 6-7, as might the trumpets with the melody in m. 18. In. m. 23, the wind musicians other than the trumpets are a part of the rhythm section with the percussion. These rhythms should fit together nicely to create a steady cadence. The melodic statements beginning at m. 35 should be carefully balanced to speak evenly throughout the various voices. If an oboist is not available, the solo in m. 57 has been cued in the alto saxophone.By Lantern’s Light is a medley of Persian folk songs. The songs come from a collection for voice and piano by Clair Fairchild in his Twelve Persian Folk Songs published by Novello and Company, London, 1904. Fairchild’s goal was to capture the spirit and ambiance of Persia’s music and musicians. Fairchild took special care to preserve their authenticity by limiting western harmony. Such is also the case in this setting for concert band. Special attention should be given to replicate songlike phrasing of the melodic lines and the rhythmic integrity and style of the accompaniment. Conductors are encouraged to take liberties with dynamics and articulations to help performers play expressively. There are many inflections that exist beyond what is printed on the page. For example, the reeds might subtly shape the rhythmic accompaniment in m. 6-7, as might the trumpets with the melody in m. 18. In. m. 23, the wind musicians other than the trumpets are a part of the rhythm section with the percussion. These rhythms should fit together nicely to create a steady cadence. The melodic statements beginning at m. 35 should be carefully balanced to speak evenly throughout the various voices. If an oboist is not available, the solo in m. 57 has been cued in the alto saxophone.
SKU: CF.YPS231
ISBN 9781491157831. UPC: 680160916436. 9 x 12 inches.
The life of railroad worker in the early days of expansion was lonely, and the need for music to bolster spirits was of great importance. The character singing 900 Miles is looking forward to being reunited with his family after being separated from them for considerable time. The Wayfaring Stranger is a prominent American folk and gospel song that reflects upon the journey through life. The character in that song contemplates better times with their family in the afterlife. Both of these songs speak to the idea of searching for something beyond the current situation in which that person finds themselves. The programmatic qualities of the work are essentially tied to the main folk songa900 Milesaand they evoke the idea of where the song found its origins. Beyond that, both songs connect each of us to the sense of belonging and family that are the human experience. While the music paints a picture of someone who is alone, that is not a feeling I want for any young student in our schools today. Band is one of the few places where students can discover that sense of belonging and find a surrogate family. While band is a family that might not always get along, they can reach a shared goal through diligent work, caring and encouragement. It was a pleasure completing Lonely Travelers for longtime friend, superb musician, excellent educator and dedicated leader in music education Dennis Emert. His students debuted the work at the 2020 PMEA State Conference. I am deeply appreciative of Dennis and the friendship, encouragement and perspective he shared with me over the years teaching in the same region. The opening flute, clarinet and alto saxophone part can be performed by the entire section or as a solo at the discretion of the director. The washboard and spoon part can be doubled as players allow. I would suggest bringing these students to the front of the stage to get the sound of both instruments to the audience. As the piece develops and Wayfaring Stranger is layered with 900 Miles, please remind your ensemble to play so they can hear each other, not so they are individually heard. I thank you and your ensemble in advance as you begin this journey together in search of Lonely Travelers.The life of railroad worker in the early days of expansion was lonely, and the need for music to bolster spirits was of great importance. The character singing 900 Miles is looking forward to being reunited with his family after being separated from them for considerable time. The Wayfaring Stranger is a prominent American folk and gospel song that reflects upon the journey through life. The character in that song contemplates better times with their family in the afterlife. Both of these songs speak to the idea of searching for something beyond the current situation in which that person finds themselves. The programmatic qualities of the work are essentially tied to the main folk song--900 Miles--and they evoke the idea of where the song found its origins. Beyond that, both songs connect each of us to the sense of belonging and family that are the human experience. While the music paints a picture of someone who is alone, that is not a feeling I want for any young student in our schools today. Band is one of the few places where students can discover that sense of belonging and find a surrogate family. While band is a family that might not always get along, they can reach a shared goal through diligent work, caring and encouragement. It was a pleasure completing Lonely Travelers for longtime friend, superb musician, excellent educator and dedicated leader in music education Dennis Emert. His students debuted the work at the 2020 PMEA State Conference. I am deeply appreciative of Dennis and the friendship, encouragement and perspective he shared with me over the years teaching in the same region. The opening flute, clarinet and alto saxophone part can be performed by the entire section or as a solo at the discretion of the director. The washboard and spoon part can be doubled as players allow. I would suggest bringing these students to the front of the stage to get the sound of both instruments to the audience. As the piece develops and Wayfaring Stranger is layered with 900 Miles, please remind your ensemble to play so they can hear each other, not so they are individually heard. I thank you and your ensemble in advance as you begin this journey together in search of Lonely Travelers.The life of railroad worker in the early days of expansion was lonely, and the need for music to bolster spirits was of great importance. The character singing 900 Miles is looking forward to being reunited with his family after being separated from them for considerable time. The Wayfaring Stranger is a prominent American folk and gospel song that reflects upon the journey through life. The character in that song contemplates better times with their family in the afterlife. Both of these songs speak to the idea of searching for something beyond the current situation in which that person finds themselves. The programmatic qualities of the work are essentially tied to the main folk song—900 Miles—and they evoke the idea of where the song found its origins. Beyond that, both songs connect each of us to the sense of belonging and family that are the human experience.While the music paints a picture of someone who is alone, that is not a feeling I want for any young student in our schools today. Band is one of the few places where students can discover that sense of belonging and find a surrogate family. While band is a family that might not always get along, they can reach a shared goal through diligent work, caring and encouragement. It was a pleasure completing Lonely Travelers for longtime friend, superb musician, excellent educator and dedicated leader in music education Dennis Emert. His students debuted the work at the 2020 PMEA State Conference. I am deeply appreciative of Dennis and the friendship, encouragement and perspective he shared with me over the years teaching in the same region.The opening flute, clarinet and alto saxophone part can be performed by the entire section or as a solo at the discretion of the director. The washboard and spoon part can be doubled as players allow. I would suggest bringing these students to the front of the stage to get the sound of both instruments to the audience. As the piece develops and Wayfaring Stranger is layered with 900 Miles, please remind your ensemble to play so they can hear each other, not so they are individually heard. I thank you and your ensemble in advance as you begin this journey together in search of Lonely Travelers.
SKU: CF.YPS231F
ISBN 9781491157824. UPC: 680160916429. 9 x 12 inches.
SKU: GI.G-10449
ISBN 9781622775613.
Creating excellence is not magic, the process known only to a few people with supernatural insights and abilities. . . . Vision, persistence, and strategy are the foremost reasons for the creation of excellence in musical performance and they are characteristics of all notably successful choral and orchestral conductors and their ensembles. — from the Introduction In Creating Excellence in Choirs and Orchestras, noted scholar and conductor Dennis Shrock uncovers the key factors and proven strategies that lead to the achievement of excellence in music ensembles at any level, from youth and volunteer groups to professional ensembles. With the use of numerous historical references and examples, primary source quotations, and music excerpts, Shrock lays out fourteen elements that contribute to an ensemble’s success. The first seven are foundational theoretical concepts: goals, focus, attitudes, structures, procedures, responsibility, and ontology. The subsequent seven elements address practical techniques: study, warm-ups, sound, cohesion, expression, conducting, and repertoire. While the book highlights the choral and orchestral mediums specifically, all concepts can be applied to any type of ensemble, from marching bands and wind ensembles to string quartets and vocal chamber groups. Further, the recommendations herein are not exclusively for the benefit of conductors. Music teachers, church musicians, ensemble members, and administrative staff will glean from these pages as well. According to Shrock, excellence is an attainable goal for anyone with a vision, a persistent commitment to that vision, and creative strategies to facilitate that vision’s realization. With this inspiring premise at its core, this insightful text guides readers as they embark on their own quest for musical excellence. Dennis Shrock is considered one of the top choral scholars in the United States and has received a number of awards for his work. He has conducted numerous choral and orchestral ensembles throughout his career, including the Chorale and Accademia Filarmonica at the University of Oklahoma, the Canterbury Choral Society, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, the Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra, and Oklahoma City Philharmonic. He is also a noted author, having written three books for Oxford University Press as well as six books for GIA Publications.
SKU: GI.G-9883
ISBN 9781622773732.
Music educators have long understood that musical skills and concepts are best taught through quality literature. In Recycle Your Literature, author Diane M. Lange shows general music teachers how they can truly get the most out of the songs they teach by bringing them back year after year to scaffold and reinforce learning. As in Together in Harmony and Together Again in Harmony, Lange combines the learn-by-doing approach of Orff Schulwerk with the sequencing of music skills in Edwin E. Gordon’s Music Learning Theory. In this book, she focuses specifically on how repurposing literature throughout a child’s elementary education serves and enhances both methods. Recycle Your Literature is divided into two sections. Part 1 contains a brief explanation of Music Learning Theory, Orff Schulwerk, and the conceptual lesson plan. Part 2 follows with sample lesson plans that showcase how the same song can serve different musical goals every year in grades K–5. Each lesson plan is complete with information about concepts, skills, objectives, equipment (if needed), the teaching process, and assessment. This practical resource will keep things fresh for elementary music teachers and ultimately achieves the main goal of every music educator: to develop independent musicians who can intelligently communicate their musical ideas. Diane M. Lange is Professor and Music Program Director of Field Experience at The University of Texas at Arlington, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Early Childhood and Elementary Music Education. She also teaches early childhood music at her private studio, The Musical Treehouse, and is author of two other books published by GIA.