An Introduction to Developing Percussion Ensembles for the Elementary and Middle School Student. Arranged by John and Melinda Russell.

This percussion method, was written to be used by elementary and middle school general music classes, beginning group percussion classes, and as a supplement for young percussion ensembles. The materials provided in this book are suitable for multi-level classes. Each piece has been designed to provide materials easy enough for the youngest student, yet interesting and progressive enough for the older player. Each composition is arranged so the melodic or rhythmic parts can be played together or separately. A piano accompaniment is also provided for each composition. The melody line may be sung and/or played on mallets, electric keyboard, recorder, hand chimes, or any "C" instrument. General music classroom percussion instruments (Orff instruments, metallaphones, xylophones, glockenspiels, handchimes, recorders, keyboards, pianos) may be substituted for any mallet instrument. Percussion instruments (agogo bells, cowbells, cymbals, sticks, claves, temple blocks) may replace the indicated non-tunable percussion instruments. Each page may be reproduced or enlarged for any size class. This book meets the criteria for implementing National, State, and Local Music Standards of Learning and Objectives.

Songs included in this volume: "Hot Cross Buns", "Au Clair de la Lune", "Rain, Rain", "Merrily We Roll Along". " Go Tell Aunt Rhody", " The Muffin Man", "Lonndon Bridge is Falling Down", "Rueben, Rueben", " This Old man", and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".

Songs included in this volume: "Ten Little Indians", " Sandy Land", "Are you Sleeping", "Ice Cream Man", "Water travels In a Circle", "Down in the Valley", "Little red Caboose", "Did You Ever See A Lassie", "Short'nin' Bread", and "Rockin' Jolly Old Saint Nicholas".

Mr. Squidwerd is a lively and delightful bossa nova flavored work for elementary school students.   Written for six players, each representing an arm of that famous octopus "Mr. Squidwerd"   from the television show "Sponge Bob Square Pants".

The instrumentation calls for Player One to use a Coffee Can or any metal container struck with a metal spoon. This part may also be doubled with a whistle or a single pitch played on a recorder. Player Two plays any wooden instrument. This may be a wood block, claves etc.   This part may also be doubled with a different single pitch whistle or a different pitch played on a recorder.   Player Three plays a tambourine. Player Four plays a triangle.   Player Five plays shakers.   This may be any type of bean, rice, or small pellet shaker.   Directions are provided on how to make a shaker if so desired.   Player Six plays one tom-tom.   All of the parts may be performed with multiple players, adding to the flexibility and enjoyment of all the teachers classroom students.

The adding of a recorder/recorders or whistles is a nice touch since the character "Mr. Squidwerd" has been known to play the clarinet, and at least once has swallowed a whistle.