Klarinet Archive - Posting 000958.txt from 1997/04

From: Jim Lytthans <lytthans@-----.net>
Subj: One more time
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 1997 21:57:27 -0400

Ok, it's my turn, seeing that this thread is (hopefully) about to end:

I spent many hours from junior high on in marching bands, with varying
degrees of enjoyment and distaste. During my 30+ year career as a music
educator, I really never had the desire to take on a high school
marching band assignment because of (1) the hours envolved, and (2) the
high divorce rate among MB directors (no home life, running off with the
head cheer leader, etc.). However, if done within a balanced music
program, marching bands serve a valuable purpose. Kids learn great
interpersonal skills that will carry them into adulthood. A successful
marching experience can motivate many students toward success. As a
scholarship student (both undergrad and graduate) at USC, I was required
to participate in their fine marching band program, both as an
undergraduate performer, and later as a graduate assistant planning
halftime shows. If possible, I never played clarinet in the band,
opting to develope my skills on secondary instruments, such as sax,
piccolo, baritone (!), even percussion and trombone. Those of us who
were music ed majors wee encouraged to do this.
That's my 35 cents worth. Now, can we go back to the clarinet, please?

Jim Lytthans
Anaheim, CA