Klarinet Archive - Posting 000395.txt from 1996/02

From: Marie McDonough <mm46@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: school-owned instruments
Date: Wed, 14 Feb 1996 13:52:04 -0500

> >Pardon my brimstone... but I'm an elementary music
> teacher,
> >and I can see the possible effects of school-owned
> instruments first-hand.
> >People value things which cost them dearly.
>
> Gregory, I taught in junior high for many years, and I
> agree wholeheartedly with your assessment. Kids need
> either a financial stake or "sweat equity" to make them
> value what they have.

Nick & Gregory--

While I cannot dispute your point about the value of a financial stake to help
people take things seriously, I don't think that's the only tool we have. In
Gregory's posting, he mentioned that young students are often not interested in
"culture"; perhaps the problem is not a question of cash, but of values (a
loaded word, I know). All teachers have had students who surprise us with their
level of effort and commitment, and these students come from quite varied
backgrounds. I'm sure there are students playing school-owned instruments who
work hard, and students who own fine instruments that gather dust between
rehearsals and lessons. If students value music making, they will work. Most
of us value things we see as having value to others we admire--parents, friends,
or even teachers. The example Gregory gave of having more advanced students
play for younger ones also helps the younger children believe in the value of
music, while demonstrating to them that some measure of success is possible in
the near future.

Marie

Marie McDonough
School of Education
University of Evansville
Evansville, IN