Klarinet Archive - Posting 000049.txt from 1998/10

From: "Harlan Landes" <spike@-----.Edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Marching band
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1998 22:18:01 -0400

>>And for top level marching bands and drum corps, the shows they can
>produce
>>are not only musical, but they are often as moving and emotional as any
>>symphony orchestra can be, and often moreso because it's on a larger
>scale.
>>(I've never heard one orchestra that had a range of dynamics as large
>as a
>>better marching band or drum corps, and I'm talking about both ends of
>the
>>spectrum.)
>
>SCREECHING HALT!!!!!!!!!
>HOLD ON. I hope you realize that drum corps have NO WOODWINDS, OR
>STRINGS. The depth of a orchastra CAN NOT be compared to a marching
>band. The depth of Vivaldi can not be compared to Fleetwood mac
>transposed for marching band. I am offended. Of course drum corps are
>going to get loud. That is there nature, they have to project over a
>course of 100 yards or more, which is totally ridiculous. Concert halls
>were made to pick up all the minute little details found in orchastral
>music. Just look at new england conservatory's jordan hall, and boston
>symphony hall. Marvels of architecture. I really don't recall football
>fields being marvels of architecture.

Now, I wasn't trying to put marching bands "above" other forms of music
ensembles. I also didn't say that drum corps provides as much music
coloration as a symphony orchestra, and I certainly didn't mean to offend
you, or anyone. Though marching bands and drum corps can project over 100
years, you can be left on the edge of your seat at the tiniest of
pianissimos... And I know this is possible with an orchestra, and every
other type of ensemble...

But I want to dispel the myth that marching bands/drum corps are "nothing
but loud."

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