The Online Kansas Music Review

The transition to the fall edition of the online only Kansas Music Review appears to have gone smoothly. In fact, there were very few questions or concerns and even some compliments about its clarity and ease of use. An "Intro and Visitor's Guide" video was developed by Troy Johnson, KMEA Web and Technology Manager. It provides guidance for accessing the various components of the online KMR. As you view the KMR, think about the various ways we can now provide embedded audio, visuals, web addresses, etc. If you want to submit something to the KMR but do not want to write an article, consider recording yourself giving a presentation and provide that instead! We have a lot of ideas for future editions and we encourage you to share yours with us as well.

What's in Your Toolbox?
We live on 40 acres and enjoy working around our house, shop, and property. My husband was raised on a 700 acre farm in Wabaunsee county, I was a city girl. One of the things I have learned from him is the importance of having the right equipment. I have also learned that you need to invest in good tools and be able to fix them yourself, as needed. As I was thinking about this issue of the KMR, it struck me that we music educators must have the right tools and they must be of the highest quality. We are constantly thinking how to be effective and efficient as we work with students who represent a wide range of musical backgrounds, interests, and abilities.

Included in this KMR are articles that provide tools for you to consider, adapt, and use. Some of the ideas and suggestions may look familiar, yet they have a slightly different approach or have been updated to fit the current needs of our students. With the continued focus on teacher evaluation, there is a great need to know about and use a variety of approaches to help students achieve in measurable ways. Dan Halpern's article Beyond Performance continues the discussion regarding the need to shift ensembles away from focusing entirely on performance. He is careful to place the shift within the context of how important good performances are to program support. Dan provides some specific suggestions that can also provide evidence of musical learning beyond performance skills in ensembles.

In the article, Teaching Beginners Like a Pro, Dennis Granlie provides a variety of techniques gleaned from his years observing successful music teachers. Even though it focuses on beginning instrumental students, these approaches can be adapted to many musical learning environments. Choosing Technology is a great overview of the many resources readily available and easily adapted that can help music educators teach, assess, communicate, and stay organized. I especially appreciate the authors' recommendation that you choose just one new technology to incorporate into your teaching this year. It is so easy to become overwhelmed and frustrated, given all of the available options. Choosing one gets you started and allows you to develop your unique teaching situation through technology enhancement or support.

Several college students who attended the recent KCOMTEP meeting in Wichita discussed, with me, some potential topics for next year's meeting. A hot topic for them was copyright law. This was the focus of a meeting several years ago; however, it should be revisited from time-to-time. When I read the article, Copyright—What Does It Mean? I thought it provided excellent and timely information that both newer and more experienced teachers would find helpful in understanding the legal implications of copyright practices.

Marie Miller's SMTE and KCOMTEP column provides a follow-up and overview information about the evaluation of music teachers. This topic was the focus of the fall KMR and the recent KCOMTEP meeting. It is important that all music teachers in Kansas remain aware of what is happening at the state level and the implications for decisions they make. Marie provides a number of online resources that can help you to be informed and more effective as you advocate for appropriate music teacher evaluation in your district.

Being excellent musicians and competent teachers is key in protecting the presence of music in school curricula. It is difficult for policy makers to propose cuts for an exceptional program that is highly visible and supported by families and the community. Being aware of current trends and how to be proactive and positive is a necessary step, as well. The KMR is dedicated to providing timely information and support to you. Let us know how we can assist you to help ensure that music will continue to be an important part of our students' lives.