Klarinet Archive - Posting 000133.txt from 1998/10

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Marching band
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1998 18:07:01 -0400

On Fri, 2 Oct 1998, Bill Hausmann wrote:
> >But not as soft as strings......or woodwinds for that matter. I think
> >that was the person's point......not the kinds of instruments used -
> >rather the colors/volumes/dynamics available to brass/percussion.
> >
> The original reference was to dynamic range ONLY, and I stand by my
> statement, which refers only to the decibel difference between soft and
> loud. If you include tonal colors, etc., then, of course, an all-brass
> band suffers some limitations.

Whatever Bill......you win.

> >What extra musical parts are available that are uniquely musical that a
> >marching band has that a concert band does not?
> >
> You misunderstand. I said "extra-musical" with a hyphen, meaning
> specifically NON-musical. But to answer the question anyway, how about
> sheer physical EXERCISE!?! Not to mention physical discipline, and I
> think, a stronger comraderie born of the shared experience of practicing in
> the cold, rain, snow, etc., in order to get the show together on a deadline?

You are correct - I misunderstood.....therefore, no need to go on an
answer that which I already know - and that I have already posted about.

> All of this discussion, however, is now on silly details and relative
> merits. Why don't we all agree that marching band, while seldom (but
> sometimes) rising to the level of great art, is nonetheless a valid form of
> musical expression and an integral part of a well rounded musical
> education? Whether an individual person loves or hates it is irrelevant.
> SOMEBODY must like it or it would no longer exist!

No - I'm sorry - I don't see that we should all agree.....but I recognize
your need to feel we should. The discussion was with regard to why we
have marching band, whether or not it is important to a students' musical
growth, and if it is as musically important in the public schools as the
Concert Band. It matters naught if anyone likes it or not!

Roger Garrett
IWU

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