Klarinet Archive - Posting 000030.txt from 1998/03

From: JohnnyWalt <JohnnyWalt@-----.com>
Subj: Re: Marching Band (was alto mpcs)
Date: Mon, 2 Mar 1998 00:25:57 -0500

Roger says - "Yes it does. It is unfortunate that the band director chooses a
marching competition as the vehicle by which to motivate his musicians. It
says
something about his ability to motivate them musically. The musicians are
better off knowing why the march ......for the publicity.....so that they
may receive the attention necessary to achieve musical learning on the
concert stage. One without the other is not music learning.....it is a
cycle that cannot stop."

I am in total disagreement with this statement. Roger, do you know what
it is like to be in a great marching band? As a member of one of the nation's
highly commended marching bands, I feel that marching band does not serve as
publicity for the concert season, but rather stands alone as a truly
respectable art form. Yes, I said an ART FORM. I am disheartened to find
that you think marching band competitions serve no purpose except for public
promotion. This is simply untrue at my school. We maintain some of the
highest standards of excellence in not only marching band but also concert
band, as do many other schools across the nation.
Furthermore, I feel that marching band is not about athletics but the
true coordination of music and movement. Surely, you cannot say that all
marching bands do not have a high musical standard!?! Granted, the musical
accomplishments of a marching band do not par with those of a concert band,
but is this reason to completely dismiss marching bands as poor musicians?
In addition, to play in a truly great marching band is a remarkable
experience. The harmony of music and drill provide a truly stimulating
performance for the audience and participants. The band directors don't spend
tireless hours rehearsing to promote their bands, rather, they see the true
value in such an incredible medium. Performing in a great marching band can
be just as moving if not more so than a concert band.
To conclude, what I am trying to say here is "don't knock marching bands
if you don't have experience with them." If you do, please respond and tell
me of your experiences. Marching band members are in band because they want
to achieve success and greatness, and I don't think you have the right to tell
them that they are doing it for the wrong reasons. Just my humble opinion...

Matt Walter