Klarinet Archive - Posting 000616.txt from 1999/07

From: Rachael Gillett <witch58@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] School Music Programs
Date: Mon, 19 Jul 1999 22:36:50 -0400

--- JCLizmod2@-----.com wrote:
> In a message dated 7/18/99 9:47:13 AM EST,
> jsimpson@-----.net writes:
>
> <<
> I too am concerned about the state of school
> music programs. I'm not
> a music educator and my children are too small
> for this yet (but some
> day I hope they're interested).
>
> 1. It seems that (at least in this area) less
> kids are starting (or staying
> with) music? (Maybe a foundless opinion.)
>
> 2. In our area the fall "band" program is
> marching band. Didn't this used
> to be an after school extra curricular thing?
> The kids miss half a school
> year of "concert band". That doesn't leave
> much time for chamber music
> or other types of instrumental learning.

In a students point of view... I think of
marching band as another way for us to express
ourselves, it is interesting and a lot of fun...
It may not be the best thing we could do with our
instruments but it is another way into enjoying
music....
> 3. It would be nice if they went to Disney
> World and such places to play
> concert, chamber, and jazz music. (maybe they
> do this, I don't know.)
I know that there are some bands that do play at
disney and other theme parks, but the only time I
hear of it done is around the winter holidays.
>
> 4. Think of how many fine and exotic
> instruments uniform money could
> purchase.
true, but think how many other things that could
be missed by not having the publicity of a
marching band. I know that my marching band is
known as one of the best in the state and we have
had many offers of trips and other tremendous
opportunities that would not have happened if we
hadn't made ourselves known.

> In many ways I feel sorry for music educator's
> whose hands are tied
> by administrators who want entertainment
> provided at football,
> basketball, (soccer, swimming, track,
> lacrosse) events. >>
So true, it is unheard of for a band director to
have a life outside of band. My band director has
a wife and a newborn baby, and I wonder when he
gets to see them!!
>
> Our school music program is actually pretty
> good and well- run!
> True, every year the number of music students
> decreases but those who stick
> with it are excellent players with promising
> musical futures.
>
> Starting in fifth grade and ending in ninth
> grade all band classes
> are concert band. In tenth grade students have
> the option of staying with
> concert band or entering marching band, or
> both. In the 6th through 8th
> grades, brass, percussion and bass players can
> audition to join one of the
> jazz bands, who play at concerts, alternating,
> and we have a district jazz
> festival at the end of the school year.
>
> We also have a summer band program for
> students grades 5, 6 and 7-8.
> 5&6 Summer Bands are concert bands and the
> program runs for 2 weeks. 7-8
> Summer Band is a jazz band program which runs
> for 2 weeks also. During the
> course of summer bands the kids learn a set of
> pieces for a final concert at
> the end of summer band and they also attend
> classes such as Music Improv,
> Band in a Box and Music Theory.
>
> I know that we are lucky and very fortunate to
> have such a fine music
> program here. I have heard about school music
> programs suffering for money
> and such, to the point of having band classes
> only once a week. I think it's
> tragic that kids don't get as much music
> exposure as they could because of a
> simple thing like money! Music is a big part
> of my life, and as many of you
> could testify, I don't know what I'd be doing
> if I didn't have my clarinet!!!
> Any other thoughts on this?
>
> Kaylen Walters
> CMS Music Department
> Wayzata, MN
>
> Just my pennies worth, it is tragic that
students don't get enough exposure to other types
of music that could be enjoyable. Some schools
don't have programs at all. And that is very
sad!
Rachael

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