Answers to the Who, What, Why, When, Where, and How of the First Weeks of Middle School Chorus
RESTON, VA (October 13, 2009) – TIPS: The First Weeks of Middle School Chorus, a new publication by Patrick K. Freer and published by MENC: The National Association for Music Education and Rowman & Littlefield Education (RLE), offers a simple, concise guide for those entering the realm of teaching middle school chorus.
Whether new to working with middle school choirs or seeking advice on improving effectiveness, all teachers will appreciate the useful hands-on strategies in The First Weeks of Middle School Chorus. Freer reminds educators of things sometimes forgotten, prompts them to reframe what they already do, and encourages trying new approaches. His specific, ready-to-use tips can be implemented immediately in rehearsals.
Organized in lists for easy reference, the book takes you through the first weeks of school and covers setting up the classroom, choral activities for day one and beyond, repertoire for the first weeks, warm-ups for changing voices, rehearsal strategies, placing students into groups and voice parts, and resources.
Patrick K. Freer is associate professor of choral music education at Georgia State University.
TIPS: The First Weeks of Middle School Chorus is available from RLE in paperback for $14.95. MENC members receive a discount of 25%. To order or for more information, call 800-462-6420 or visit www.rowmaneducation.com.
MENC: The National Association for Music Education, among the world’s largest arts education organizations, marked its centennial in 2007 as the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. Through membership of more than 75,000 active, retired, and pre-service music teachers, and with 60,000 honor students and supporters, MENC serves millions of students nationwide through activities at all teaching levels, from preschool to graduate school. MENC’s mission is to advance music education by encouraging the study and making of music by all. Since 1907, MENC has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. MENC’s activities and resources have been largely responsible for the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion and guidance of music study as an integral part of the school curriculum, and for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education. MENC is located at the National Center for Music Education in Reston, VA.
