The book is intended to help new and veteran band directors develop an orchestra in their school. It outlines step by step what needs to be done before the teacher meets students, preparing for the first rehearsal and first performance, developing syllabi, handbooks and lesson plans as well as maintaining and growing a viable string program. There is a chapter devoted to using technology in the orchestra classroom to keep students academically and creatively challenged.

This practical and essential resource guides preservice and beginning music teachers through the most difficult years of music teaching. Part One assists undergraduate music education students in navigating early observations; Part Two offers advice for music student teachers; and Part Three is an invaluable reference for the beginning music teacher. Nineteen real-life stories are interspersed throughout Handbook for the Beginning Music Teacher, and most include questions for discussion developed by the story authors. -- Publisher

The Musical Director's Handbook is a comprehensive guide for musicians who want to learn more about Musical Direction in Theatre. Chapter by chapter, this handbook explores the different skills required of the Musical Director, from the early stages of score learning and pre-production, through auditions and rehearsals, right up to opening night and beyond. As well as offering help and advice, based on the writer's own experience working in amateur, youth and professional theatre, each chapter contains exercises and suggestions for further study. Whether you are approaching this as a keen amateur, a school or college music teacher, or a professional musician, the Musical Director's handbook with help to ensure that your journey to opening night is a happy and fulfilling one.

The Jazz Rhythm Section introduces the basics of this very important part of the jazz ensemble. They are the foundation of any jazz group, so improving the rhythm section will result in a stronger sounding band. This book is intended to be a practical guide with chapters on each of the primary instruments in the rhythm section: bass, drums, piano and guitar. Key topics include: Equipment and setup issues: from drum heads to bass amps to guitar pickups to mic’ing a piano on stage, each instrument presents unique equipment issues that the director must face. Performance practice: including tips on constructing walking bass lines, learning voicings and comping rhythms and creating drummer’s setup fills. Additionally, there is a chapter on the rhythm section itself that details all of the inter-relationships, suggestions for count-offs and metronome exercises that will help improve your band. The Jazz Rhythm Section is intended for novice directors, but directors of all levels will benefit as well.

(Meredith Music Resource). A "How-To" guide that no elementary band director should be without, this book covers all aspects of the elementary band program from recruitment through the final concert. Beginning teachers, as well as those with years of experience, will find a wealth of useful information in this handbook. Thirteen chapters include information on the recruitment process, band method books, scheduling and grouping of classes, everyday instrument repairs, grading, selection of elementary band music and solo and ensemble music, ideas for maintaining student interest and becoming an integral part of the school, performance suggestions and area band. An appendix containing sample informational letters, sample concert programs, sample practice cards and more is included. This is a great resource to have on hand when teaching elementary band!