Q What feature of the Discus Music hands-on system especially supports the student’s growing independence in musicianship skills?
The ability to layer the signs and symbols over a variety of pitch organizing tools is very valuable. The noteheads may be layered over sol-fa letters, letter names, numbers and disc-notes thus providing for clarity and self-correction. Also, the Keyboard Window may be juxtaposed over a variety of tools—on or off of staff— to clarify relationships between sound and symbol. The multiple uses of the note panels provide great flexibility in their focus upon each musical element. back to top
Q What is the difference between the ‘Classroom—Ensemble’ sets and the note panels for small groups and individual instruction?
The Classroom/Ensemble note panels have spaces that are 1.5 in. wide and are available in both single and double staff versions. The lengths of the panel sections range from 36 in. to 48 in. Combo sets1 through 4 are for ensembles and classrooms and are easily read in the largest rooms and rehearsal halls. The Mini Note Panel sets (especially for smaller groups and individual instruction) have spaces that are 3/4 in. and the panels range from 18 in. to 36 in. The M36 includes a double staff, 36in. x 18.5 in. The M24, M24 Multi and M18 each have single staves. The Mini Note Panels are included in Combo sets 5, 6, 7. back to top
Q How are the note panels displayed?
The panels may be mounted on the wall with provided Wall Mounts ((VELCRO® brand fasteners). Also, two sections may be hinged together for freestanding function with removable hinges for any two or more adjacent panel sections. The D48 Panels may also be displayed on a sturdy music stand or on a table easel (such as The Boone 7780 Tabletop tripod easel). The M36 and smaller panels may be placed on the desk, lap or upon the music rack of most pianos as well as music stand or easel. In addition, the M24 and M18 panels may be mounted on any of the larger classroom note panels (with double sided VELCRO® brand 2 in. hook mounts). back to top
Q How are the signs and symbols organized and accessed?
All of the sets (except for the M18) come with compartment StowAway organizers and/or Bins with VELCRO® brand fasteners. For the larger panels, the bins serve to transfer the signs and symbols from the compartment organizer and may be mounted on staff for ready display and collection. Page 6 of the Guide describes various storage organizers—that are included with each note panel or Combo set and choices to accommodate added accessories. back to top
Q Why is there a choice between white or black VELCRO® brand fabric backing?
The white fabric backing would be used for single line staff, display of stem notation and clarification of pitch organizing tools (such as hand signs, sol-fa letters and labeling of resonator bells). The black fabric backing would be favored for convenient presentation of Rhythm cards, as the black background would serve to indicate barlines by leaving a space between cards (grouped to form given meters). White meter numerals would be applied in this case. Two or more panel sections could be divided between white and black fabric backings. (The white backing could also accommodate rhythm cards with addition of barlines). back to top
Q What choices are available with the Display Platform and the Mini 24 Multi panels?
Both sides could be used with single line staff, stem notation, presentation and labeling of Resonator Bells and laminated Rhythm cards. The Mini 24 Multi has the additional function of a staff on one side. The regular Mini 24—with single staff on both sides of the panel may be chosen when more extensive exploration of scales, key signatures and melodic material is emphasized. back to top