Klarinet Archive - Posting 000002.txt from 1998/10

From: sls2t@-----.edu
Subj: Re: [kl] Marching band
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1998 12:24:26 -0400

You all have great points regarding the virtues of marching band--and I
don't deny any of them. My main point, however, is that any objective, be
it educational ("group dynamics" or whatever) or musical (dynamic range
and color) can be achieved in the stage ensemble, and the amount of time
that is saved and used to FURTHER those objectives is incredible in the
stage ensemble as compared to the marching ensemble. Educational and or
musical jargon won't save or justify marching band.
I certainly can't argue about the aesthitics of marching band, for
such arguments are pointless. It, as a genre, is just as viable as Mozart
or Shoenberg. The problem concerns time, musical standards and goals, and
the development of the INDIVIDUAL player. All three are points that are
too often abused in a marching programs. What is our vision of music
education in this country? Does marching help the musical development of
players? Can we do without marching band and give kids a quality music
education? Is marching band the best and most effective way to give
students a comprehensive music education? If it is not, then why do we
invest so much time, money and devotion?
In the words of Tevya, "TRADITION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
Eric Hatch, USU

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