Klarinet Archive - Posting 000381.txt from 1998/04

From: Edinger/Gilman <wde1@-----.com>
Subj: Me and My Girl
Date: Wed, 8 Apr 1998 14:34:23 -0400

Laura posted:

"I was wondering if anyone knows what instruments are used in the show
"Me and My Girl", and what doubling there is, if any."

I'm sorry, Laura, but that show can't be discussed on this list. "Me
and My Girl" is very bad grammar. Now, if it were "My Girl and I," then
it would be OK.

Seriously, though, folks, as one who has been known to whine about
grammar, I hope no one on this list who does not have English as a first
language took any offense at previous postings. My complaint was aimed
at those who are near-incomprehensible in spite of being native
English-speakers. Since most seem to be college- and high school-aged
Americans, it makes me cringe when I think of the impression those from
other countries must get when reading them. What does it say?
One of the great beauties of music, to me, is the fundamental goal of
precise, articulate self-expression by the performer for both himself
and the listener. Sloppy, lazy, careless writing about musical ideas in
words by one who is presumably skilled in both areas is as hard to
excuse as a sloppy, lazy, careless performance. And, naturally, if your
first language isn't English, you are no more to be criticized for
English grammar than if you are a clarinettist playing the trumpet or
oboe - some may be better than others.
And responding with a "get used to it" or other such adolescent whine is
about the same as flipping your digit and saying "[expletive] you, I'll
do as I please." Not nice.

Bill Edinger