Klarinet Archive - Posting 000908.txt from 1997/04

From: Roger Lewis & Denise Gulliver-Lewis <pmflewis@-----.net>
Subj: Re: marching, a directors perspective
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 1997 05:23:58 -0400

Ok, here it goes.
I teach in a small school system. We run a non-competitve marching
program; we 'compete' only in our district festival, which rates rather
than ranks. This leaves us free to be creative, rather than appeal to
judges for trophies.
Notice I say "we". My students select their music for the marching
show. I have had to teach them about programming, audience appeal (I
hate to use that word, but must for lack of one better) and flow. This
is the music my students selected for next fall, no prompting from me.

Opener: Fanfare from Also Spracht Zarathustra, Strauss
1st production: Footloose (yes, from the movie!)
Percussion: Convergence
Flag feature: Shake a Tail Feather (from The Blues Brothers)
Closer: Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi from Carmina Burana (Krance)

How did they come up with this combination? By listening to tapes and
cds I had around the office, including demo recordings by publishers.
How did they know it would 'work'? By splicing it all together on one
master tape, listening to key center contrasts, and finally asking me if
I thought it would be too difficult. It may be quirky, but I really
like the sound. I was amazed at the contrast between "serious" music
and pop music. They figured the classical selections would still be
plenty playable at our football games because most people would
recognise them from various film scores. My students WANT to play more
classical, especially during marching season, and this is a good way to
start.
My students also help me chart the drills. We have lots of books, and
use a computer charting system. We've already diagrammed out the first
2 numbers, and will start charting after school in a week or two. My
flag corps write their own routines and design their own performance
flags, which I then sew over the summer (bummer). By the time we're
finished, they have made next year's production truly 'their' show.
On the field I stress concert band sound. The better they sound on the
field, the better they will sound indoors. We also learn new music for
two games, and memorize it. By the time we finish the first 9 weeks
they have played and memorized a total of 12 tunes, and are ready for
concert season.
I don't like marching band. I come from a strong performance background
and would prefer to spend the entire year on concert music. However, I
do feel that with this group I have reached a good compromise and still
have some musical learning going on. The town loves it, too, and the
school board just gave us $12,000.00 last December to purchase
additional CONCERT band uniforms!

Just had to have my say.

Denise Gulliver-Lewis
Principal clarinet, Elkhart Symphony
Band Director, White Pigeon Michigan

   
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