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Books and Resources

101 Ideas for the Music Classroom

Refresh and recharge your K-8 vocal music program using this compilation of teaching tips.  With contributions sent in by dynamic and talented music educators from across the country, these ideas touch on all aspects of the music curriculum. Topics include classroom management, teaching basic skills, fine-tuning your choir, and funding your programs.  The enhanced two-CD set has audio components and printable PDFs with field-tested, tried-and-true tips that are designed to build your music program. 

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Making the Scene

Here's a superb book!  It's a handy, illustrated "how-to" book for constructing sets and props for children's musicals.  It is written by Michael Gallina, who in addition to being a strong creative influence in dozens of musicals co-written with his wife Jill, is also a trained musician and elementary school principal.  Each suggestion in this book is easy to understand, easy to implement and, above all, practical!  Designed primarily for school use, patterns are included for a variety of scenes including Santa's workshop, castle wall, shipboard, evergreen forest, tropical island, street scenes and more.  Also included are movable set pieces mounted on chair carts, flats, flip-flop sets, mobile sets, and even make-your-own inflatable monsters!  This book is a "must" for every elementary, middle school and junior high director who has ever done or is thinking about doing a musical! 

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Puttin' on the Kidz

Puttin on the Kidz is an indispensable handbook for directors of any type of musical production. It will help you to make every performance a fun-filled experience that will energize your students and spotlight their talents. This all-in-one guide contains charts, sample letters, and standard forms to help expedite the audition process, plus advice on how to stage and block your production, and how to engage parent volunteers. Designed to save you time and energy, it's full of valuable techniques and a wealth of knowledge including a history of musical theater, tips on memorization, resources for costumes and props, and much more!  Each chapter is followed with ideas and suggestions from music teachers across the country. 

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Preview or purchase JW Pepper >

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Preview or purchase Stantons >

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