Customer Reviews

Teaching Band and Orchestra: Methods and Materials

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I first read Cooper's "Teaching Band and Orchestra" during one of my undergraduate instrumental methods courses. My professor noted that this was the first year he had used this text, having switched to it due to what he believed was its practical and accessible nature. As a first-year music educator now, I find my professor's words ring true, since I find myself referring to it quite often between classes for refreshment and to find ideas I may not have thought of myself.

By far, of all the books on teaching instrumental music I have read, Cooper's text is the most practical and comprehensive. Everything a beginning music teacher needs to run a successful band or orchestra program is here in this book. Cooper first explores various philosophies behind instrumental music education in order to make one think about what one's primary goals in teaching are and what one wants their students to experience from being in an ensemble.

Next, Cooper devotes an enitre section to beginning instrumental ensembles. From recruiting and retention to selecting appropriate method books, Cooper covers a myriad of issues that the elementary instrumental teacher faces on a daily basis. From there, Cooper procedes to the junior high and high school level, discussing how one helps one's ensembles to grow and mature, as well as how to maintain the vast adminstrative aspects involved with running a high school instrumental program.

One of the best features of this book is the wealth of sample materials Cooper has included. Sample lesson plans at all levels, letters to parents, concert programs, band handbooks - all are present and are based upon Cooper's actual materials that he used during his career in the public schools. Being able to actually have references for formatting, tone, and style has helped me immensely so far in my career. Cooper has also been invaluable in helping me to assemble my school's band handbook; his advice on what to include and what not to include alone is worth the price of this book.

Overall, I consider this book to be the Bible of instrumental music texts. No teacher of band or orchestra at any level should be without this work. Even seasoned veterans will find new ideas that they may be interested in incorporating into their lessons. It comes with a very durable hardcover binding that will take the punishment associated with being opened, thumbed through, and dog-eared over and over again. In summary, Cooper's text is an invaluable addition to any music educator's reference library.

If you are young or inexperienced band or orchestra director you must have this book. It's filled with great suggestions for running your ensemble, as well as sample forms to use for your program. Health forms, playing test examinations, it has everything you will need. A fantastic reference, and a book that makes me much more confidant going into my first teaching position.

Though I haven't read the book in its entirety, the chapters I have read have so far proved to be an excellent resource for a beginning music teacher. I will be teaching hopefully next year and I am still apprehensive; this book has given me many great suggestions and I highly recommend this book to any future music educators.

This book is full of very useful and practical information for instrumental music education majors! Even if you do not have to buy it for a class I recommend adding this to your resource collection to help you the first five years of your teaching career!

If your a director of bands or orchestra in a public school system, then this book just might save your sanity.

It is packed with forms that you can create quite easily with today's computers and software. Something the author did not have access to when the forms were originally created in the mid 1970's. It also can help you with creating a world class band or orchestra.

The author took a floundering high school band program and turned it into a product that the parents and band members were proud to be a part of. I know for it was my high school. The book was specifically purchased for my daughter who will graduate from Grand Valley State U next spring and is majoring in music education. She wants to be a high school band director. When she obtained the book, other music education majors thumbed through it. They all bought the book as well.

So, what's in the book that made it so attractive? I really couldn't say, for I never played an instrument only the radio. But, its not that expensive and if it keeps you from tearing your hair out just once, in my estimation that would be worth the price of admission. Bottom line, you have little to lose and maybe much to gain.