Free Music Education Resources From The U.S. Army and Navy
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About three years ago I attended a Jazz Ambassador’s concert in Chicago at the Midwest Clinic. At it, the director spoke of a number of resources that they make available free to the public. One of their offerings was a complete Jazz chart entitled Porch Swingin; we played it at one of last year’s concert.
There are a number of free resources including lesson plans, music charts, articles and other resources that would be of interest to any music educator (not just U.S. music educators!). The U.S. military bands’ also offer requestable free CDs of most of their literature. As you may know, these bands ARE the heritage of our own concert band programs in the U.S. and you can be sure that the recordings they offer are of the highest qualities both in musicianship and audio fidelity.
The U.S. Army Field Band Resources are found here and here is a list of some of their offerings:
The Legacy of Aaron Copland
A recording by The Soldiers’ Chorus
Inside the Big Band -Porch Swingin
Educational video by The Jazz Ambassadors’
The Joy of Singing
Educational video by The Soldiers’ Chorus
In My Dream
A Celebration of African-American Music
Seven Hills (CD offered online only)
Includes printable charts and transcribed solos
The U.S. Navy Band Music Educational Resources can be found here and here are some of their music article offerings:
The Percussion Section in the Concert Hall
My Transition from Performer to Conductor
Rotary Valve Maintenance
Why On Earth Does My French Horn Section Sound Like That?
Keeping The Saxophone Quartet in Tune
So You Think You Want To Be An Arranger
At the end of this week, I am going to post a more comprehensive link structure to/about the U.S. military bands and their information.
Joseph M. Pisano, Ph.D., is an industry innovator, educator, clinician and lecturer, trumpeter and conductor, and the creator of many music and education websites. He is currently the Vice President of Innovation and Engagement at Keystone Ridge Designs, Inc. After twenty-three years as a professor and administrator in higher education, he made the move into industry in 2018.
As one of the youngest full professors in Grove City’s history, he served in many capacities during his tenure including Professor of music, Director of Music and Fine Arts Technology, Technical Director of the Pew Fine Arts Center, Associate/Assistant Chair of Music and Fine Arts, Director of Jazz Studies.
He finished his tenure at the college as the Director of Bands, where he directed the college’s Symphonic Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Pep Band, and various smaller ensembles. He continues to guest direct bands, consult with music programs, and adjudicate ensembles and programs today.
He has been named a TI:ME Teacher of the Year, received the JEN Jazz Educator Award, the PA Citation of Excellence, and named a “member for life” of the PA Intercollegiate Bandmasters Association. He is a past Vice President of the Technology Institute for Music Educators, an associate member of the American Bandmasters Association, a past President of the PA Intercollegiate Bandmasters Association, and a member of various education and music honoraries.
He has written for numerous publications including DCI Magazine, Teaching Music Magazine, SBO, and was the Educational Editor for In-Tune Monthly Magazine for eight years; he has contributed hundreds of articles to various publications.
He is an active conductor, trumpeter, clinician, and educator. Find out more at his website: jpisano.com.