Klarinet Archive - Posting 000087.txt from 1998/03

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Marching Band (was alto mpcs)
Date: Mon, 2 Mar 1998 18:20:00 -0500

On Mon, 2 Mar 1998, JohnnyWalt wrote:
> Yes, I am aware that the majority of public school band directors place
> marching band ahead of concert band. This is NOT my position whatsoever. The
> concert band should have just the same standards of excellence as the marching
> band. How can I say, however, what is equal and what is not in terms of their
> valuable qualities as an art form? Can you compare a Van Gogh to a Monet?
> It is more subjective in this area. I do feel that in any medium we should
> strive for excellence and try to accomplish the highest goals.

I see, so if a college art student does a free hand copy of Van Gogh and
put it on a piece of typing paper, that would be of equal value to the
original? I hardly view an arrangment of Berstein's West Side Story as
the same thing as the original.....your analogy lacks logic and common
sense.

> I go to Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, IL. It is a private
> catholic school.

Yes, I know all about your school. We have had many of your graduates
here at our school.....nearly 100% of the band students drop out of music
before the end of college......one of our recruting secretaries, Laura
Dolan, went to your high school and has described Mr. Bimm's approach in
great detail.

You know, you describe a "national championship band".....have you ever
heard the Pioneer High School Band in Ann Arbor, MI? What about the North
Hills High School Band in Pittsburgh, PA? The Bozeman High School Band
in Bozeman, MT or the really fine high school bands in the state of
Washington? If not, how do you know how your band compares on a national
level? I've heard many bands nationwide......and I would
venture to say, based on your posts, that you have not heard the level of
band that could help you define Marion's position within that spectrum.

I heard Marion a couple of years ago play a concert that included Dance
Rhythms by Reigger, and the Holst Hammersmith - and I have seen your
marching band live. My opinion remains the same Matt.

Roger Garrett
IWU