Klarinet Archive - Posting 000883.txt from 1999/07

From: "Jill R. Exner" <exner@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] school music programs(kinda defending corps too)
Date: Sat, 24 Jul 1999 11:32:32 -0400

the discussion is not about whether marching band is good or bad,
>so
>much as about the priority accorded it in some institutions, and the
>corresponding distortion of priorities this occasions with respect to
>other
>activities such as "real" music.

But why do we have to put down what many kids love to do? Some people
would think that playing any kind of music on a clarinet for hours a day
is a waste of time. Different strokes, you know. . .

Our marching band is mandatory in that it is the only band course offered
in the fall. We have only 1 director and only so many hours in the day.
Maybe one day there will be funding for more courses and directors, but
now, if a student wants to be in band, it has to be the marching band.
He can, however, pick up concert band in the winter.

Where I live, in Georgia, marching band competitions are fierce, and
bands have to put in a lot of time in order to compete well. It does
take a committment, but no more so than a student interested in drama,
gymnastics, dance, or many other extra-curricular activities.

In the more affluent areas, most kids take private lessons and are
supported well by the parents. They send dozens to All-State in the
spring, so I don't see where marching hurt anyone, embrouchure-wise or in
any other way. Students in a marching band learn socialization skills
and benefit from the exercise. They learn to take care of themselves as
they travel. They learn the hard lessons of winning and losing.

I marched in junior high, high school, and college. I liked it most of
the time; it helped pay my way through college; and it didn't keep me
from practicing the "real music." I traveled to places I never would have
gone otherwise, and I cherish all those experiences. I also met my
husband there, and we now have two marching daughters--one goes off to
high school band camp tomorrow; the other goes to college band camp next
month on band, music department, and academic scholarships.

All musical endeavors are valuable and worthy of our respect, whether
it's our "cup of tea" or not.

Jill Exner

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