Issue No. 5
New Tricks to the Trade: Strategies for Practice and Recruitment
In this issue, the Riffers discuss new ideas for instruction, classroom environment, and recruitment (of students and teachers!)
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The Characteristics and Career Influence of Male Elementary General Music Teachers
140 male-identifying elementary general music teachers were surveyed to better understand the paths of entry into this majority-female field.
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Why You Need to Add Improvisation to Your Choir Rehearsals
Instrumentalists improvise in many different settings. But what happens when singers improvise in a choral setting? Using techniques from improvisational theatre, an adult choir in Finland applied free vocal improvisation as a way to explore creative learning on the personal and social levels.
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Democracy in Band - Is YOUR Band Room “The Room Where it Happens?”
What might a democratic rehearsal look like? Band directors weigh in on their perceptions of democratic rehearsal practices in their own programs, and how often they are used. We have a long way to go, but don’t give up!
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Explaining Race and Culture in the Choral Rehearsal Room
The discussion of race and culture can be a complex topic, especially in today’s society. With the vast repertoire that comes through the choral classroom, this repertoire allows us to break through these awkward conversations as ensemble directors and educators.
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Building Equity in the String Classroom through Reflective Practice: Questions for Self-Reflection
Questions for Self-Reflection challenges us to recognize our own teaching approach and the levels of positive and/or negative interactions we have with students. Lysaker identifies three domains where we can be reflective of our practice: General Organization, Classroom Policy, and Teaching Habits.
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PODCAST
We discuss Derrick’s riff on Whitehead’s article about race and culture in the choral ensemble. The riffers share their views around choosing a diverse repertoire, providing access, and creating discussion in the ensemble.