Website Evaluation II

1. Name of Website:
• Association of Texas Small School Bands

2. Web Site Address:

· www.ATSSB.org

3. Copyright date and//or last update:

· October 29, 2007

4. Author/Organization credentials:

· Kenneth Griffin, Executive Secretary

5. Web site design and ease of use:

The ATSSB website has a great amount of information at the music educator’s disposal. Unfortunately, the site is not in a very easily manageable order. The site has a nice side bar that allows the reader to venture into the depths of the site. There are updates to the site splattered across the front pages. It reads like the comics of the newspaper. You really do not know where to send your eyes next. The colors are rather distracting as well. They are obviously there to help the reader distinguish different articles. On the other side of the page you will find links to region web sites. This is one of the best parts of the page. It lends you a way by which to easily navigate to your region’s website without typing the ridiculous URL. The site has loads of information that is used for all-state auditions. There is a portion for feedback that I have used on a regular basis. There is a link to the ATSSB handbook. Also, there is a link to a job board.

6. My response for use:

I feel that this site should be used as often as possible. Even though it is rather difficult to understand, with some practice, one may be able to find their way around the site. This site is mainly devoted to band directors of smaller schools in the state of Texas. (1A-3A) You can find information about all-state audition materials. You can also find known errata in music. The site gives you a great directory of members. One can use the site to find the phone number and or email to the band director in Anytown, Texas. As mentioned earlier, the band director can easily navigate from this site to the regional band site. There is a vast amount of information posted on these links that are obviously not posted on the main page. The educator should use these aspects of the page to avoid missing important deadlines. These deadlines could be important entries into contests, festivals, and conferences. It also gives you links to newsletters. These newsletters are the official publications of the website. Here you find articles written by well-known Texas teachers.