the third period (1984 to 1997), during which it largely addressed federal and state educational reform initiatives and computer technology development. During the final period (1997 to 2009), the Association focused on expanding its website to improve services to the membership, creating the state’s first all- state bands and orchestras, and helping establish a new conference for music educators.
The author found that the MSBOA supported and served instrumental music education in Michigan in two important ways by 1) providing a strong system of festivals and other performance activities for students; and 2) offering multiple professional development opportunities for music teachers. The MSBOA cooperated at times with other arts and educational organizations in the state on various projects; however, because of the MSBOA’s determination to remain autonomous, its relationship with the Michigan Music Educators Association (the state chapter of the MENC, now the National Association for Music Education) was contentious for decades. The lack of a strong partnership among the state’s four independent music education associations—the MSBOA, the Michigan School Vocal Association, the Michigan unit of the American String Teachers Association, and the Michigan Music Educators Association—weakened both their individual and collective attempts to address reforms affecting music education.
Issues with Male Retention in Secondary Choral Ensembles: A Literature Review
Jessica A. Nieuwkoop, The University of Michigan.
With increased academic courses necessary to meet graduation requirements, the number of electives students take is greatly diminished. Competition to retain students in elective courses can be steep. Secondary choral teachers are constantly working to increase and retain male participation in choir. Stereotypes of singing being unmanly and the struggles many males face with their voice change can contribute to the loss of male students in choir. Teachers need to have a better understanding of the issues and factors involved in male participation and retention. This paper reviews current literature on male attitudes and perception about singing, the male experience in secondary choral ensembles, the male voice change and
single-gendered choirs. Awareness of the students, understanding of the subject, providing students with a better awareness of the vocal apparatus and enthusiasm for secondary choral program are all themes that have arisen from the research. Teaching strategies and suggestions for future research are presented in the conclusion.
Power In Numbers: The Community Choir, An Ensemble of Monumental Impact
Talia Rybak, Central Michigan University
The purpose of this literature review is to discuss the community choir’s function and value, and its current and potential impact. Community choirs provide an opportunity for all members of society to be involved in a choral group. However, while the number of choristers in the United States has been increasing, the majority of the population remains uninvolved in choral ensembles and there is a limited amount of group singing opportunities available for children. Furthermore, there is a decreasing representation of Generation X and Y young adults in community choirs, as well as an overall aging population, indicating that participating in community choirs is becoming a downward trend for a younger generation. This paper points out the value in creating group singing opportunities in order to counteract this downward trend, motivating more community members of all age levels to join a community choir. Thriving intergenerational choirs, in which there is participation from different age levels, can help bridge the generation gap, and create a stronger bond in any community. The benefits of a community choir are further examined through five different lenses: musical, educational, physiological, social, and cultural, which ultimately improve the quality of life for all its participants. These benefits suggest that group singing serves as a catalyst for thriving cohesive communities. Community choirs have the potential for a monumental impact on its participants and audience members by inspiring a cooperative spirit in the community through the unique medium of group singing.
Sight reading evaluations: Groundings in the literature.
Matthew T. Snell, Jackson Northwest High School
A crucial component of independent musicianship is the ability to read
music. Within the choral rehearsal sight-singing is a significant method in developing these skills. Findings suggest that a majority of high school and middle school choir directors do not adequately teach sight-singing to their students. One possible reason for this is a lack of success. Teaching students by rote is easier than teaching students how to sight-read. Research articles have evaluated successful sight- reading techniques utilized by individual singers and choirs through assessment. By reviewing this literature common successful methods or strategies may emerge. These findings could provide choral directors with the tools they need to teach sight-reading more efficiently.
The purpose of this paper is to report the results of published research in sight-singing evaluations. The paper also includes recommendations of successful teaching strategies, as well as suggestions for future studies in sight- singing evaluation. The studies’ findings are presented and grouped into three specific categories: individual evaluation, group evaluation, and self-evaluation.
Technical Solutions for Electronic Keyboard Players: A Practical Approach
Krystal Thomas, Central Michigan University
The purpose of this literature review is to pose an appropriate technique for playing the electronic keyboard or synthesizer. Since their invention, keyboarding instruments have undergone a variety of changes, as evidenced in the development of the clavichord, harpsichord, organ, and modern acoustic piano. Historically, each instrument has sparked debate about which techniques are acceptable. Scholars have questioned whether keyboarding technique should focus on the independent use of the fingers or the incorporation of arm weight. Inevitably, the increased popularity of both weighted and unweighted electronic keyboards gives rise to discussions of a proper digital piano technique. The construction, tone production, and pedagogical techniques of the synthesizer is analyzed and compared with those of its predecessors - clavichord, harpsichord, organ, and modern acoustic piano. This literature review will recognize the need for a unique set of techniques for playing the electronic keyboard apart from the modern piano. n
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