This Yuletide season as we go about checking off our Christmas gift list, putting up our trees and decorating our homes, there are those who are not as fortunate. May this season of giving extend not only to our family and friends, but to those who are facing hardships in life. Check out these organizations that help bring the spirit of Christmas through the power of music.

Also read:

• Helping the Victims of Hurricane Sandy

This Day in Music History: 1883 - Anton Webern was born in Vienna, Austria. He was a composer, conductor and arranger belonging to the 12-tone Viennese school. Aside from piano, Webern also played the cello. He studied musicology at the University of Vienna and later became a student of Arnold Schoenberg.

^{Photo by Creative Crop/Getty Images}

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so here are some songs that beautifully encapsulates the essence of this upcoming occasion. I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for visiting the About.Com Music Education Web site. I'm very grateful for all the years you've shared with me and appreciate all your blog comments, email messages and forum posts. Thank you also for subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Twitter. I have learned a lot from our interactions and wish each and everyone one of you all the best.

Also read

• Thanksgiving Music Resources
• The President's Hymn

This Day in Music History: On this day in 1786, composer/critic Carl Maria von Weber was born in Eutin, near Lubeck (Germany). Also on this day in 1873, the 22nd New York Regiment Band, formed by bandleader Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore, had their first concert. And on this day in 1889, pianist/composer Teresa Carreño performed with the Berlin Philharmonic.

^{Photo by Sanja Gjenero}

The trumpet is one of the main instruments in the brass section of an orchestra. Trumpets are also used in jazz bands. This popular, brilliant-sounding instrument is recommended for students 10 years old and above. It is easy to transport and not as expensive as other instruments. Here are some tips if you're thinking of buying your first trumpet.

Also read:

• Profile of the Trumpet
• Types of Trumpets
• Parts of A Trumpet
• History of the Trumpet
• Trumpet Lessons and Resources
• The Story behind the Photo

This Day in Music History: On this day in 1868, composer Gioachino Rossini died in Passy, near Paris, France. Also on this day in 1915, composer Heitor Villa-Lobos' concert in Rio de Janeiro was well-received.

^{Photo Courtesy of Anne Marie Godden}

I was first introduced to the flutophone as part of my daughter's Kindergarten music curriculum. Flutophones are good pre-band instruments for young children; it's lightweight, easy to play and very affordable. Here's more information on the flutophone.

Also read:

• Bagpipe
• Bassoon
• Contrabassoon
• Harmonica
• Oboe
• Recorder

This Day in Music History: 1995 - The Wizard Of Oz was staged for charity at Lincoln Center in New York. Among the casts are Jewel playing the role of Dorothy, Jackson Browne as The Scarecrow, Roger Daltrey as the Tin Man and Nathan Lane as the Cowardly Lion.

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