Quick Reference for Band Directors Who Teach Orchestra: (National Association for Music Education)

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.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1: I’m a Band Teacher and Now I Have to Teach Orchestra Getting Started How Do I Start On-String Bowing Techniques Off the String Bowing Techniques Playing Without the Bow Playing Multiple Notes On the String or Off the String Bow Pressure On the String Vibrato On String Instruments Chapter At a Glance Chapter 2: Building a String Program in Your School or Strengthening an Existing One First Steps Building a New String Program Developing Your Personal Philosophy of Music Education Creating a Support Network Planning for Your First Rehearsal Chapter At a Glance Chapter 3: Creating a Syllabus and Orchestra Handbook Grading Policies Developing a Handbook For Your Orchestra Program Description A Sample Orchestra Handbook Chapter At a Glance Chapter 4: Writing Lesson Plans Planning Lessons Here Are Some Sample Lesson Plans Sample Plan #1 Sample Plan #2 Sample Plan #3 Sample Plan #4 Chapter At a Glance Chapter 5: Creating a Parent Group Developing a Support System for Your Orchestra Establishing a New Parent Group Leadership Function Forming Committees Chapter At a Glance Chapter 6: Literature Selection and the First Rehearsal First Rehearsal Organizing the First Rehearsal and Classroom Management Ending the First Rehearsal Suggested Composers Suggested String Methods and Publishers Suggested Literature for Orchestra Chapter At a Glance Chapter 7: Having a Successful First Performance The Importance of a Successful First Performance Planning For a Successful First Performance First Performance Procedures Stage Entrance and Seating Performance Etiquette Carrying Instruments Going On Stage and Leaving the Stage Concertmaster Tuning On Stage Folder Uniformity and Concert Attire Performance Attire Chapter At a Glance Chapter 8: Festival Preparation and Performance Festival Performance Planning Festival Information and Description Preparing To Be Adjudicated Score Study Make Notes On The Score Teaching the Music for Adjudication Record Your Rehearsals Chapter At a Glance Chapter 9: Program Maintenance Maintaining Your Program Developing a Five-Year Plan Maintaining Equipment and Equipment Purchases The Importance of Individual Recognition and Praise Chapter At a Glance Chapter 10: Using Technology in the Orchestra Classroom Using Technology As an Integral Part of Instruction Recording Your Group Using Tablets and Smart Phones Music On A Tablet Interactive Software Websites Social Media Facebook Twitter Google Notation Software Choosing the Best Notation Software For Your Program Using Play-Along Software and Hardware PowerPoint Videotaping Your Orchestra Technology Resources On the Internet Maintenance and Record Keeping Teaching Resources in Book Form Chapter At a Glance Chapter 11: Using Small Ensembles To Improve Your Orchestra’s Sound Small Ensembles Using Solos To Keep Your Best Players Interested in Staying Basic Small Ensemble Playing Chapter At a Glance Glossary References Appendix Index

About the Author :
Ronald E. Kearns is a highly respected teacher, performer, clinician and author. Quick Reference for Band Directors Who Teach Orchestra is his third book written as a textbook and professional development book for music educators.

Review :
A high recommended resource and guide for both new string educators and band directors with little or no prior experience teaching orchestra. Mr. Kearns draws on his extensive experience as an educator, performer, and clinician to offer practical tips to help educators organize and administrate a successful orchestra program. John Stevenson President, Maryland Band Directors Association Band directors who find themselves teaching orchestra classes for the first time might feel trepidation as they approach their new role. This book will put their minds at ease as Mr. Kearns makes connections between band and orchestra pedagogy. Teachers can use the orchestra specific references to pave their way to develop a great program!