Klarinet Archive - Posting 000709.txt from 1999/07

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] School Music Programs
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 16:18:31 -0400

At 01:12 AM 7/21/99 EDT, you wrote:
>The purpose of a football game is to frame the Band Show!

Paulette, I'm certain you were being facetious here! If not - you should
have been.

>Negative comments have far more impact than 10
>times as many positive ones. What do you think your children are
>hearing? As parents, our responsibility is to guide our children. If I
>had a bad experience with learning to drive (or even an accident) is that
>a reason to not let the kids learn? Rather, I would guide them to gain
>that skill or experience. Then if they chose not to drive, that's okay.
>Many things they must be able to choose or not on their own
>As a court ordered school district, we are required to let ANY student
>into the marching band that wants to be - regardless of whether they play
>an instrument or not.

I wonder if that court order also allows anyone to be on the VARSITY
football team, or the swim team - even if they can't swim?? What about
German Club if the person is not in a german class? What about etc.etc.
prerequisites to classes are the norm - court orders can be challenged and
successfully made null and void. Sounds like this one should be.

>We have had children who have physical
>disabilities (and they took pride in what marching they COULD do)

This is different than not being able to play an instrument.

>Experiences that include the elements of
>music are no different.

The problem with the argument is that it could be interpreted to mean that
anyone and everyone should be in music - with no standards. I know it
doesn't actually say that, but if a person can sue to be in the marching
band without playing an instrument (assuming they are not in the color
guard), then something is wrong with the standards.

Now I feel silly for getting involved. I like marching bands - good ones -
but the ones that run the entire music department are unfortunate.
However, I agree with Paulette - it would be sad to see MB outlawed - there
are many aspects of it that are terrific for kids.

RG
Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Director, Concert Band/Symphonic Winds/Titan Band
Advisor, Recording Studio
Illinois Wesleyan University
Office: (309) 556-3268
Fax: (309) 556-3411

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