Klarinet Archive - Posting 001212.txt from 1998/09

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Marching band and (Concert Band also)
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 22:45:36 -0400

On Wed, 30 Sep 1998, Harlan Landes wrote:

> More often than not, pressure comes from the administration for the high
> school band (marching, as well as concert) to bring back trophies or awards
> of some kind.

A good, strong music teacher can change this trend over time - especially
if he is adept at building the concert program at a level beyond the
status of the marching band.

> In some parts of the country, they now have "school choice," where students
> (well, parents of students) decide which high school to go to. In
> situations like this, the marching band, being the most visible aspect of
> the school's music department, oftentimes the most visible aspect of the
> entire school, has even more pressure on itself (and more pressure on the
> music teacher) to compete, and to do well at competitions. This will make
> the school look better, meaning more parents will choose the school, meaning
> (eventually) more money for the school.

Same comments as above. Students thrive under great teaching and fine
musical experiences. If it happens in the rehearsal and concert halls,
the marching band at the other school will begin to notice.

Roger Garrett
IWU

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