Klarinet Archive - Posting 000052.txt from 1998/03

From: Shouryu Nohe <jnohe@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Marching Band (was alto mpcs)
Date: Mon, 2 Mar 1998 11:48:18 -0500

> 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...

He's a COLLEGE PROFESSOR, Matt. What are you, nuts? Unless he got his
degree on Mars then of course he's been in a marching band. I'd say he's
probably had twice as much marching experience as any of the student on
this list, including myself. I spent two years in junior high, four years
of high school, and have done two years in college. I'm taking a break
next year, and I can get away with it because I'm a perf. major. Most
students aspiring to become teachers must take 4-5 years of marching band
in college. And you don't think this guy has the experience???

Everyone needs to simmer down (sort of). Roger is NOT bashing marching
bands. He and I have already discussed this privately. He simply
questions the motivations of some directors, school boards and booster
clubs. THere's absolutely NOTHING wrong with that. A WHOLE FRICKIN'
buncha people do things for the wrong reasons that have good results. And
beleive you me, there ARE directors and what not out there that only march
their bands for publicity. I've met them. But that DOESN'T mean it's
meaningless to the band.

I believe marching band is fantastic. I helped my high school take six
state trophies in my four year career. I wouldn't give up that
experience. Ever. Never ever. Never never ever.

But Rog has some valid points. Don't just take eerything at face value.
Sit down and read what he has to say carefully.

Shouryu Nohe
http://web.nmsu.edu/~jnohe; ICQ 6771552
Coffee Drinker, Musician, Otaku, Jesus Freak, Admirer of Women
(Not necessarily in that order)
--------------------------------------------------------------
"We can do it!" - Lt. Ibuki Maya