A discussion of some of the opportunities available to former band students.
An introduction to the drums most commonly found in Western bands and orchestras.
An introduction to the non-drum percussion instruments that are most commonly found in the Western band and orchestra.
An introduction to a classification system for all musical instruments.
Learn about music for free. Informal music lessons and discussions of music theory. this site covers a wide range of topics about music.
Elvin Jones, a jazz drummer best known for his work with John Coltrane, was a major influence on the "free jazz" movement in the 1960's. His complex, polyrhythmic drumming style influenced both rock and jazz drummers.
Lesson plans, suitable for students of all ages, for growing gourds and using them to make a variety of musical instruments.
SPARK follows Jared "Choclatt" Crawford as he prepares for his foot-tapping new musical theater production "Hit It!" at the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre. This Educator Guide is about the history of drumming, street performers, and African American musical theater.
The primary influence of the Ottoman Empire on Western music, including a significant influence on the composers of the First Viennese School, came through the Ottoman military bands. The most lasting effect of this influence has been on the band traditions of Western Europe and the U.S.
In this From the Top at Carnegie Hall video segment, watch Jingchen Sun, a 17-year-old marimba player from China, as she plays a haunting piece by German composer and percussionist Nebojsa Zivkovic.
For early Primary students, an introduction to message drums, suitable for inclusion in a unit on music, percussion, communication, history, or world cultures.
The activities in this course are designed for children preschool or elementary school age. Some introduce basic music concepts; others focus on music of a particular culture. All encourage noise and activity, so they make excellent breaks from desk work, but be sure you are not disturbing the class down the hall!
Concerns associated with developing orchestra programs in public schools, youth symphonies and higher education.
For the families of students involved in a school band program, information about typical programs, band instruments, lessons, and practice.
For the families of interested students, an introduction to the world of music education in the U.S., with an emphasis on school band programs.
For families and elementary music teachers, suggestions for percussion instruments that require little or no money and minimum effort.
An introduction to the concept of resonance as it applies to musical instruments.
Typical expectations for students in school band programs and their families.
Suggestions for demonstrating some of the key properties of standing waves in musical instruments to k-12 students.
A lesson for elementary school students on the talking drums of Africa, suitable for inclusion in a unit on Africa, communication, music, percussion, or world cultures.
