| Many band programs follow a method book and Wellstone is no different. What is different at Wellstone is that the book that we follow is not published because Mr. Kunkel created his own. This method is based on current research in the field of music education and incorporates ideas and methodologies from Kodaly, Gordon, and more traditional band methods.
One difference between Sound and Sight, Mr. Kunkel's method book, and other popular, published methods is the use of singing. Edwin Gordon's research has shown the importance of what he calls "audiation." Audiation is the ability to hear, and sing, whatever students play. One educational outcome of audiating by singing is the students' ability to play in tune. If you've ever heard a typical elementary band, you will appreciate hearing one that plays in tune.
Another difference is that Sound and Sight teaches in that order. Students will learn the music content aurally and orally before they learn the notation. Once they are familiar with the concept, melody, rhythm, etc... they will be able to learn the notation very quickly and easily. This method parallels the way children learn to speak before they learn to read and write. Imagine learning to read and write at the same time you are learning to speak.
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