SKU: GI.G-9566

ISBN 9781622773589.

What do coaches, master teachers, and studies of the psychology of learning have to teach us about conducting? It turns out, quite a bit. In this concise yet insightful volume, Richard Sparks draws from years of experience in the professional choral world and from his time teaching at two leading universities to help choral conductors transform their craft and create truly artful experiences. He gains inspiration from legendary college basketball coach John Wooden and shares striking and refreshing parallels between coaching sports teams and conducting music ensembles. Sparks draws equally from research in the fields of teaching and the psychology of learning—and what a conductor can take from those areas as well. Just as an artisan builds a set of skills and learns the tools of the trade, conductors too must build a box of tools to help them learn, understand, and interpret music, lead rehearsals, and conduct. The Conductor’s Toolbox conveniently and succinctly compiles these tools. Highlights include: Assessing yourself and your choir Using modeling Developing good habits in yourself and your choir Learning and teaching new skills Rehearsing more efficiently Teaching fundamental elements of music Selecting repertoire that improves your and your choir’s skills Improving your planning and pacing of rehearsals This book is for the young conductor starting out who wants to build a truly solid craft. It is also for the experienced conductor who wonders how to move to the next level, reenergize, and grow. Richard Sparks was Professor of Music and Chair of Conducting & Ensembles at the University of North Texas from 2009–2019, and he served as Director of Choral Activities at Pacific Lutheran University from 1983–2001. He has founded and led a number of professional choral organizations and guest conducted ensembles including the Santa Fe Desert Chorale and the Swedish Radio Choir. Choral Music Skill Building Evaluation Form. This evaluation form, created by Alan Davis and available here as a free PDF download, touches on many of the skill building ideas discussed in The Conductor's Toolbox. A unique and deftly effective instructional reference guide and manual that is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, college, and university library collection, The Conductor's Toolbox should be considered essential reading for anyone seeking a career in orchestral conducting in any form or format. —James A. Cox, Library Bookwatch, October 2019.

SKU: CF.JB37

ISBN 9780825852404. UPC: 798408052409. 9 X 12 inches.

A collection from master arranger Andrew Balent, this compilation of classic marches contains some all-time favorites. These exciting, playable versions can be used as a wonderful teaching tool for the young band.

About The New Bennett Band Book Series

The Bennett Band Books published in four volumes starting in 1923 were used to teach the march form and style to millions of young band musicians in the middle of the twentieth century. Twelve of the legendary Henry Fillmore's tuneful band gems (written using the pseudonym Harold Bennett) have been collected together by Larry Clark to form the first volume of The New Bennett Band Books. This volume concentrates on 2/4 time and the keys of Bb major, Eb major, and Ab major. In addition, a helpful march warm-up section, composed by Larry Clark, is included to help you teach the march form and style to young students. There is also the added benefit of a full recording of each march performed by a professional band on the CD that is included in the full score. This is a valuable collection for any level band to use for marches at contest/festival performance or for sight-reading purposes.

SKU: HL.290903

UPC: 888680924638. 5.0x5.0x0.161 inches. John Jacobson/Mac Huff.

In the words of Anne Frank: How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. These sage words from a young Anne are the foundation for this original song. One child can change the world. No matter how big, and no matter how small. These powerful lyrics, gently set, provide a message that all young children need to hear.