Every once in a while I will be scanning the headlines when it hits me that there is a strange juxtaposition about similar stories from different parts of the world. I recently had one of those moments. It started with this story from… CanadaIt appears that the Canadian Government is now offering tax credits for [...]
Mapex Releases New Quantum ModelsMapex has released new models and accessories to complement its Quantum marching series. A tenor case and practice covers highlight the accessories options, with the Agility snare and a new 32″ bass drum expanding the drum offerings. The new Quantum drum covers and cases feature wheels on the tenor case making [...]
Richard T. Minnotte is the director of Percussion Studies for the Mt. Lebanon School District, located on the outskirts of Pittsburgh. Together with his staff, Rick teaches the finer points of all things percussive from chimes to mallets to timpani to drum set to approximately 200 students in grades four through 12. Six days a [...]
Technology may appear to be the one ingredient that can help us maximize instructional time, especially outside of class, but implementing new tools may be challenging for those who feel under pressure and maxed out with learning curves. Ironically, many of our students are already stepping up to the plate in the technology sphere with [...]
With the 2009 indoor marching arts season on the horizon, it’s time to get the production wheels in motion. It’s never too early to start planning for your winter color guard and indoor percussion ensemble. Many aspects of starting your own group, or planning a follow-up season take time. Some processes are even out of [...]
YouTube.com, which is a relatively recent phenomenon, has an astonishing variety of offerings, with subjects ranging from how to vote to motorcycle maintenance to a view of the Orion constellation and everything in-between. YouTube surfers can also find the sublime and the ridiculous. However, this site is an extraordinary source of musical knowledge that can [...]
A percussion ensemble is a great vehicle for developing not only technique and musicianship in young percussionists, but also interest and excitement about the world of percussion. When I first started teaching, I saw young students standing in the back of the band room tired of counting rests and playing music that was not as [...]
Top 10 qualities educators want in a road rep: Reliability Knowledge of Instruments and Program Honesty Friendliness Punctuality Helpfulness Flexibility Organization Consistency Professionalism Top 10 qualities educators don’t want in a road rep: Pushiness Unreliability Lack of Knowledge Lack of Punctuality Inconsideration of Teacher’s Time Forgetfulness Arrogance Disorganized Rumor Mongering Dishonesty Amidst the hectic schedule [...]
Yamaha’s Celebrate Your Music ContestYamaha Corporation of America has launched an exclusive sweepstakes and Web site seeking the best performance of Disney’s “It’s a Small World” theme song utilizing Yamaha products. Between now and December 31, 2008, contestants can enter on-line to win the grand prize of a two-night stay at a California’s Disneyland Resort [...]
