Klarinet Archive - Posting 000032.txt from 1998/03

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Marching Band (was alto mpcs)
Date: Mon, 2 Mar 1998 01:20:07 -0500

On Mon, 2 Mar 1998, JohnnyWalt wrote:

> Furthermore, I feel that marching band is not about athletics but the
> true coordination of music and movement.

According to the World Book Dictionary, "eurythmics" is defined as "the
art of interpreting in graceful bodily movements the rhythm of musical
compositions." This sounds very much like what you are describing. Note
that the definition assumes that the musical composition and the
performance of it precede the physical interpretation, and may be rather
far removed from it.

Some related areas of study are kinesthetics and kinesthesiology, which
are the basis of much of what is studied in the field of physical
education. It would seem that the music itself would take very much a
secondary role in the activity you are describing.

> ...... rather, they see the true value in such an incredible medium.

What is the true value of the marching band?

> Marching band members are in band because they want to achieve success
> and greatness, ........

Success and greatness in what?

One thing which concerns me about this discussion is that while some
people will come to the defense of your position about marching, it may
seem that others are ganging up on you. And, assuming that you are still
a high school student, you may not yet have the breadth of musical
experience which will give you the "ammunition" you need to prevail in the
debate. Ironically, getting that greater breadth of musical experience
may have the effect of causing you to change your stance on the question.

Ed Lacy
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Dr. Edwin Lacy University of Evansville
Professor of Music 1800 Lincoln Avenue
Evansville, IN 47722
el2@-----.edu (812)479-2754
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