Whether you’re hearing the thunder of a bass drum line, the intricate movement of tenor drums, or the unmistakable crack of a well-tuned snare, drum lines bring unmatched energy and precision to any performance. This month’s theme explores several key aspects of percussion writing and performance, from arranging for different sections of the battery to…

What Students Discovered About 80s Pop Music June’s Music Technology and Learning Lab theme took students back to the colorful world of 80s pop music. Students explored famous songs, iconic music videos, and recording techniques that helped define the decade. Along the way, they shared observations about the sounds, styles, and innovations that made 80s…

The Sound of Celebration Many Independence Day events begin with music that has become part of our national traditions. Perhaps no composer represents American band music better than John Philip Sousa. His “The Stars and Stripes Forever” remains America’s official national march. Even today, its energetic rhythms and memorable melodies inspire concert bands around the…

Summer brings vacations, family visits, camps, and long weekends. It also brings a common question: “What should I do with my make-up lessons?” When my daughter was five, she thought a make-up lesson meant she got to wear makeup. We all had a good laugh when we figured out the misunderstanding. Now, both of my…