Klarinet Archive - Posting 000228.txt from 1996/06

From: Gene Keyes <gene@-----.NET>
Subj: Jazz Clarinetists?
Date: Sat, 15 Jun 1996 09:01:27 -0400

Thanks Adam............perhaps more band directors should realize that their
first responsibility is to teach and involve their students. We'e talking
about a public school program...........not music majors in a University
setting and not a professional musical organization. There are too many
band directors who put their concert programs before the needs of their
students. It's kind of like the coach who has to win at all costs.

So what if the the balance is not absolutely perfect or if the sound is not
precisely what the the composer intended. Have you ever seen a parent walk
out of a program because there were too many saxophones in the band? The
musical expeience could still be rewarding. You don't nurture interest and
participation by telling a student that there is no place for him or his
instrument. If there is a way to do it, you make a place for a kid like
this and encourage him. Let's keep in mind what PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION is
all about. The performance is not the sole reason for the existence of a
school music program.......it provides motivation (for student and teacher)
and ideally should be an outgrowth of what goes on in the
classroom.............gk
Gene Keyes
gene@-----.net