Klarinet Archive - Posting 000860.txt from 1997/04

From: "George E. Landis" <gelandis@-----.net>
Subj: Re: marching bands
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 1997 19:20:39 -0400

WWQUINTET@-----.com wrote:
>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

Amen. The time spent on marching bands these days is just appalling.
I've always suspected that the only reason marching bands persist in any
significant way is because most band directors don't have the requisite
skill or musical sense to succeed in the concert realm and they resort
to marching to keep the students fired up and interested.

Regards