NFIMA Journal - Volume 18, Number 1

The NFHS Music Association Journal is published twice annually as a NFHS Music Association membership benefit.
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NFIMA Journal
(renamed the NFHS Music Association Journal as of 1/1/03)
Volume 18, Number 1


Excerpt from Remarks at the National Music Education Summit
Bill Ivey

Former Chairman of the National Endowment of the Arts, Ivey shares how important the arts are to community life and how "education in the arts improves the intellectual, emotional, and social development of our children."

The Iowa Bandmasters Association Mentoring Program
John Aboud

Because the state of Iowa was experiencing a shortage of qualified music teachers, in 1993, the Iowa Bandmasters Association established a state level mentorship committee. This committee helps school districts mentor new teachers. The author shares what has been learned since this committee was founded, as well as future goals.

Ma, We Got a II at Contest
Peter LaRue

Participating in band contests or festivals has its advantages and disadvantages. It's not essential, says this author, to win and walk away with a trophy. "Participation in any contest or festival, no matter the outcome, may be a great success for our program and our band members if we take the time and effort to 'style' and 'keep in perspective' the total experience.

Reading by Ear
Douglas Bartholomew

"I want to compare two basic musical skills, sight reading and playing by ear, to improve our understanding of each of them," the author writes. " Both of these are important skills, and lacking either of them limits one's ability to participate in musical events."

Housewright Declaration
Courtesy of MENC

This document addresses the importance of music in the lives of all people. "Music makes a difference in people's lives. It exalts the human spirit; it enhances the quality of life. Indeed, meaningful music activity should be experiences throughout one's life toward the goal of continuing involvement." This declaration is taken from Vision 2020: The Housewright Symposium on the Future of Music Education.

Music Education Evangelism
Dr. Dwayne Dunn

The author focuses on the influences that affect a person's decision to choose music education as their profession. "We might view the process of attracting new teachers to our profession as similar to a church attempting to attract new members." The personal touch is all-important. The student must also have a positive experience with their music educator and see why music education is so worthwhile.

Do Your Students Understand Your Conducting Gestures?
R. Shayne Cofer

Recent research reveals that young performers need help recognizing the meaning of the conductor's gestures. The author offers specific ways that you can help your students recognize and understand conducting gestures so you have more efficient rehearsals.

What's New in Music Technology for 2001?
Mike Klinger

The author, who has over 24 years experience in synthesizers, computer and midi, shares his knowledge of what's new in the areas of notation software, digital audio, theory and ear training, music technology curriculum, and software synthesizers. He also offers music workshops that are taught with "state of the art" equipment at the Mike Klinger Music Technology Retreat in Carson, Washington.

NFIMA Volume 17, Number 2


Creating Winners: It's All in Your Attitude… and Theirs
By Tim Lautzenheiser

In a society that honors only number one as a winner and anything less as a loser, the author stresses that no matter what the outcome, students can learn, grow and "always win in every endeavor" when they have a healthy attitude towards competition.

Developing the Marching Band Sound
By Frank Hale

The author shares what fundamental characteristics must be present in a band in order for the band director to achieve his or her "own personal 'band sound.'"

The Choral Conductor and the Holy Grail: The Continuing Search for Quality Literature
By Leslie Guelker-Cone

"The success or failure of a choral program at any age or grade level is almost entirely dependent on our ability as conductors to make wise choices when it comes to repertoire. Literature selection is the single most important thing we do as choral conductors, and we have a tremendous responsibility to our singers to choose wisely."

Bennett Reimer and Aesthetic Education
By Douglas Bartholomew


Bennett Reimer, an important person in the field of music education in the second half of the 20th century, urges music educators to go to the heart of music, what he termed the aesthetic, to find the purpose and proper defense of music education.

Understanding School Budgets
By Karl Bruhn

This article summarizes the five-step process involved in developing a school budget, information that can found in its entirety in "Making Sense of School Budgets, a publication of the US Department of Education. As a music educator, you need to be aware of the budget process and how you can gain to support for your music program.

Equally Important in an Interview are the Questions You Ask
By Ted Christensen

When a future music educator (the interviewee) goes for a job interview and is asked by the interviewing panel the question, "Do you have any questions," the interviewee should have a list of prepared questions to ask about the music program. That way, the interviewee can learn all he or she needs to know about the music program and can make a good decision regarding that particular job.

Crisis Management
By Dean Peterson

Some young music educators , due to a "lack of experience in matters of organizing a choral program, discipline, literature selection and rehearsal technique," find themselves leaving the profession. "What can you as a choral director do to help stop this alarming trend? Here are some thoughts and ideas that you may wish to consider in order to keep music education from becoming a thing of the past."

It Takes a Whole Village: Music and Florida Writes!
By Linda Tracy

"It is imperative that music educators in Florida's school view themselves as members of the team working toward literacy, musical and otherwise for very child. With a concerted effort in every classroom throughout the year, students will increase their ability to read and write effectively."