Klarinet Archive - Posting 000219.txt from 1998/03

From: Gary_VanCott@-----.com
Subj: Re: Band Policies (was Marching Band)
Date: Wed, 4 Mar 1998 11:17:02 -0500

Dee Hays wrote:
When I was in school, the challenging system really kept players on their
toes and
added to their motivation to improve their abilities. I enjoyed the
challenges
whether I won or lost (and I did lose several). Even if a player is not
interested
in issuing a challenge, they still must fend off the people coming up from
below.
Both the challenger and the challenged improve through this mechanism.
*************
I disagree with this. Music is competitive enough without the challenge
system. Jr High and High School students have enough stress already.
Challenges can create antagonisms and divisions in a band and waste
valuable rehearsal time.

I believe directors should place students based on their overall ability
and make adjustments as necessary, but infrequently, probably at the
semester.

If players are very close in ability, seniority can be used as part of the
seating mix. If top players are very close solos or even chairs can be
alternated on a regular basis.

Gary Van Cott
Las Vegas, NV