Salute the Troops

May 13, 2009

Whether at a parade, a formal ceremony, or a concert, it is likely that at one time or another you will have a group perform at an event to honor the men and women of the Armed Forces. In fact, in many communities, the school music program is the only organization that can provide this [...]

Posted by Eliahu Sussman under May 2009 with No Comments.

TI:ME Is On Your Side

Many educators are looking to expand their computer chops beyond the basics of word processing and e-mail so that they can integrate music technology instruction into their classes. One Columbus, Ohio music teacher found a great solution: “I was originally trying to integrate technology in my music classroom with little knowledge other than information I [...]

Posted by Eliahu Sussman under May 2009 with No Comments.

Tips on Sticks and Mallets

Ball, acorn, barrel, or olive tip? Wood tip or nylon? Hickory, maple, rattan, bamboo, or birch? Umbrella, standard, or replaceable felt-mallet head? Wound string or rubber? These are just a few of what seems like an infinite number of questions to be considered when it comes to outfitting the percussion section of a school band [...]

Posted by Eliahu Sussman under May 2009 with No Comments.

Effective Equipment Logistics for Marching Bands

The logistical challenges inherent with handling marching band equipment when met properly can positively reinforce the excellence and discipline necessary to stage an award-winning performance on the field. While every marching band program is unique, creativity and coordination are two valuable keys to success. Creativity: Sharing Ideas, Finding SolutionsWhile competitive on the field, most marching [...]

Posted by Eliahu Sussman under May 2009 with No Comments.

Bring the Stimulus Package to School

The effects of the current economic crisis have had dramatic repercussions within all levels of the education community, leaving many music teachers extremely concerned about the survival of their programs and their jobs. According to an article in The New York Times, March 21 edition, part of the national economic stimulus package that is slated [...]

Posted by Eliahu Sussman under May 2009 with No Comments.

Balancing Comfort, Style, & Image

Anyone who has experienced the excitement of watching a marching band understands that the visual aspect of the experience can be almost as important as the music that’s being played. While first-rate choreography is a key element of any field performance, the design and feel of the uniforms can have an equally huge impact on [...]

Posted by Eliahu Sussman under May 2009 with No Comments.

May, 2009

Mike Balter Mallets “Sounds of the Studio” SeriesThe Emil Richards Sounds of the Studio Series includes specialty mallets developed exclusively by Mike Balter in conjunction with Emil Richards. The Slap Mallets feature an elongated cushioned head producing a distinctive slap on marimba and vibes. The head is 3″ tall by 1 7/8″ wide with a [...]

Posted by Eliahu Sussman under May 2009 with No Comments.

A Commitment to Excellence

What exactly is it that makes a high school music program great? Is the success of a school’s band or orchestra measured through victories at national competitions? Or is it found in something less tangible, such as a program’s commitment to providing the very best opportunities for its students? At Avon (Ind.) High School, take [...]

Posted by Eliahu Sussman under May 2009 with No Comments.

Designing A Marching Band Field Show

Whether for the halftime show of a high school football game or for panel of judges at a national competition, a marching band field show combines several critical elements to entertain, inspire, and engage audiences. The coordinated combination of music pageantry should be designed to create a unified presentation of a musical, visual, conceptual, or [...]

Posted by Eliahu Sussman under May 2009 with No Comments.

May, 2009

Theo Wanne Classic Mouthpieces Granted Design PatentTheo Wanne Classic Mouthpieces were granted a patent for the internal shape of their saxophone mouthpieces. The interior design patent encompasses their signature True Large Chambers, a step baffle, and rounded inner side-walls. Theo Wanne uses the term True Large Chamber in referring to his mouthpieces because his mouthpiece [...]

Posted by Eliahu Sussman under May 2009 with No Comments.