Ronald E. Kearns is a retired band, orchestra, and jazz band director. He is a classically trained musician, jazz recording artist, jazz record producer with over forty-five commercially produced recordings and author of three other books for music educators: Quick Reference for Band Directors, Recording Tips for Music Educators, and Quick Reference for Band Directors Who Teach Orchestra.
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: I'm a Band Teacher and Now I Have to Teach Orchestra
Getting Started
How Do I Start
On-String Bowing Techniques
Off the String Bowing Techniques
Playing Without the Bow
Playing Multiple Notes On the String or Off the String
Bow Pressure On the String
Vibrato On String Instruments
Chapter At a Glance
Chapter 2: Building a String Program in Your School or Strengthening an
Existing One
First Steps Building a New String Program
Developing Your Personal Philosophy of Music Education
Creating a Support Network
Planning for Your First Rehearsal
Chapter At a Glance
Chapter 3: Creating a Syllabus and Orchestra Handbook
Grading Policies
Developing a Handbook For Your Orchestra
Program Description
A Sample Orchestra Handbook
Chapter At a Glance
Chapter 4: Writing Lesson Plans
Planning Lessons
Here Are Some Sample Lesson Plans
Sample Plan #1
Sample Plan #2
Sample Plan #3
Sample Plan #4
Chapter At a Glance
Chapter 5: Creating a Parent Group
Developing a Support System for Your Orchestra
Establishing a New Parent Group
Leadership Function
Forming Committees
Chapter At a Glance
Chapter 6: Literature Selection and the First Rehearsal
First Rehearsal
Organizing the First Rehearsal and Classroom Management
Ending the First Rehearsal
Suggested Composers
Suggested String Methods and Publishers
Suggested Literature for Orchestra
Chapter At a Glance
Chapter 7: Having a Successful First Performance
The Importance of a Successful First Performance
Planning For a Successful First Performance
First Performance Procedures
Stage Entrance and Seating
Performance Etiquette
Carrying Instruments Going On Stage and Leaving the Stage
Concertmaster Tuning On Stage
Folder Uniformity and Concert Attire
Performance Attire
Chapter At a Glance
Chapter 8: Festival Preparation and Performance
Festival Performance Planning
Festival Information and Description
Preparing To Be Adjudicated
Score Study
Make Notes On The Score
Teaching the Music for Adjudication
Record Your Rehearsals
Chapter At a Glance
Chapter 9: Program Maintenance
Maintaining Your Program
Developing a Five-Year Plan
Maintaining Equipment and Equipment Purchases
The Importance of Individual Recognition and Praise
Chapter At a Glance
Chapter 10: Using Technology in the Orchestra Classroom
Using Technology As an Integral Part of Instruction
Recording Your Group
Using Tablets and Smart Phones
Music On A Tablet
Interactive Software
Websites
Social Media
Facebook
Twitter
Google
Notation Software
Choosing the Best Notation Software For Your Program
Using Play-Along Software and Hardware
PowerPoint
Videotaping Your Orchestra
Technology Resources On the Internet
Maintenance and Record Keeping
Teaching Resources in Book Form
Chapter At a Glance
Chapter 11: Using Small Ensembles To Improve Your Orchestra's Sound
Small Ensembles
Using Solos To Keep Your Best Players Interested in Staying
Basic Small Ensemble Playing
Chapter At a Glance
Glossary
References
Appendix
Index
