Klarinet Archive - Posting 000852.txt from 1997/04

From: After5@-----.Com
Subj: Re: marching bands
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 1997 16:00:17 -0400

I have been a member of this mailing list for some time, and have stayed
quiet, but this is one message I couldn't let go.

At 01:50 PM 4-28-1997 -0400, you wrote:

>Yes, and that's precisely why the more sensitive musicians from my school
>days used to refer to the marching band as the "arson squad" -- it was a
>potentially lethal combination of regimented cacaphony. Now barring the usual
>academic requirements for suffering through such an experience, why would any
>self-respecting clarinetist want to perform in a marching band? I'm
>constantly getting students who have just finished their season of "pomp and
>circumcision", who arrive with numerous playing detriments that need to be
>corrected before they can successfully venture forth into the regular concert
>season. Besides extreme pitch desensitization, the most annoying difficulty
>seems to be a penchant for clamping down with their top teeth on the
>mouthpiece. This not only inhibits the vibrational capacity of the reed, but
>places unneeded tension in the throat. At any rate, you've probably gathered
>that I'm not a strong advocate of the "marching band." In school music
>programs, especially grades 7-12, I believe that the marching band tends to
>belittle our efforts to make music an accepted area of of serious study, and
>further perpetuates the notion that the music program is nothing more than a
>vehicle for "pure entertainment" or extracurricular activity.
>
>Dave

In response to that, I would have to say that I disagree. At my high school
in Georgia, we do not play music meant for "pure entertainment." Last
year's show was a combination of opera works by Verdi, the year prior to
that was themed, Henry V, and this year we will be doing Phantom of the
Opera. Fans at football games have often criticized our band program
because we do not do "entertaining" music, we do "boring stuff." Our
program aims towards developing our musicianship AND our showmanship by
having us play classical works on field. Though you do bring up legitimate
claims about the reed vibration being limited, a strong player can overcome
these, setbacks, and still put on a good show. As for your comment about
the marching band being a "regimented cacophony," I would have to say that
you are right to some extent. We certainly are regimented, and are treated
as professionals who have a job to do, as a duty to our school, and our
team. We pay (ca. $390) to earn our school a great reputation, and if I say
so myself, we are doing a great job.

Jason Boylan
After5@-----.Com
Marietta, GA

"You can have any color car you want, as long as it is black." -Henry Ford