Klarinet Archive - Posting 000340.txt from 1998/03

From: mac720@-----. Cullen)
Subj: Re: Marching Band
Date: Fri, 6 Mar 1998 14:43:23 -0500

I have to stick up for marching bands, as I am a member of one, the
Tarpon Springs High School Outdoor Performance Ensemble...we happen to be
very good. You say that the music is not great, but you are essentially
talking about the traditional Marching Band... We have our music arranged
(Mostly from more modern music...not Movie soundtrack...if fact we did
Copland this year, Coraal Nocturne, Billy the Kid, and the Promise of
Living ...and I think some excerpts of Red Pony) and some original
compositions...So that is a stereotypical remark that must be
disregarded. Also, I have to agree that yes Marching Band is a sport, and
it does teach a great deal of cooperation skills. In fact I think
Marching Band is a great art...yet widely overlooked. Its kind of like
Couples Ice skating, just without Ice, and more than two people. Take a
look at the great Marching bands, like nationally renowned ( especially
Finalists at the Bands of America Grand Nationals), to form you opinions
of Marching Bands, Dump the Stereotypes, and forget what it was like when
some of you older people where in school, because it has changed a great
deal.
Matt