"Merle J. Isaac (1898-1996): His Contributions and Influence on Music Published for the School Orchestra" 2008 MENC Research Poster Presentation

Merle J. Isaac remains to this day a strong influence on the philosophical, curricular, and musical development of the school orchestra. Isaac’s prolific output of arrangements, compositions, and method books span sixty years making his name familiar to most school orchestra directors. In addition, Isaac’s articles and books provide sage advice on teaching, string pedagogy, and program management, consequently providing a pedagogical and leadership model for current music educators.

The purpose of this study is to add to the scant body of knowledge about Isaac and his superlative accomplishments and contributions to music education. In spite of Isaac’s prolific output of compositions and arrangements and his singular influence upon music education, few have written about Isaac and his contributions to string teaching. Gaps remain in the present story of people, places, and ideas associated with Merle Isaac.

This study will analyze Isaac’s arrangements, compositions, and his contributions and influence on the development on music published for the school orchestra. The availability of music and materials had a profound impact on the growth of the school orchestra between 1930 and 1950. During this period, Isaac’s arrangements, compositions, and method books provided a foundation of material that set the stage for the development of today’s school orchestra. This presentation will also include personal vignettes of Isaac’s colleagues that reflect the admiration and affection that many had for Isaac during his long career.

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