Klarinet Archive - Posting 000908.txt from 1999/07

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] school music programs(kinda defending corps too)
Date: Sat, 24 Jul 1999 19:27:45 -0400

On Sat, 24 Jul 1999, Bill Hausmann wrote:
> Apparently our disconnect is over the use of the word "military." To me
> "military discipline," as it applies to marching band, merely means
> teaching them to stand at attention, be quiet, and listen to and FOLLOW
> directions and with appropriate alactrity. If you mean yelling at them
> like a cartoon Marine drill sergeant, and allowing seniors to haze
> freshmen, which is in NO way "military," then we are in agreement.

I'm not sure why anyone would have to be forced to stand in line, in a
particular position - stiff and eyes straight forward just to be convinced
that is the only way they can listen and learn. My point was that any
approach like that is unecessary. A good teacher will have students
listening attentively without having to resort to rules and regulations
such as standing at attention. The better the teacher, the less the need
for discipline. It is a tried and true educational principle.

They don't stand at attention in math, social studies, english or any
other class do they? *confused look* Why should the study of music
require this??

But - if you do have a marching band, I firmly believe that they must
adhere to a military type regiment just to accomplish anything on the
field. It's a different animal than the classroom. I just wish that a
student didn't have to be forced into military service in order to learn
about music, or that their musical development required them to march
around on the field playing Orff. LOL
Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Director - Concert Band, Symphonic Winds & Titan Band
Advisor - Recording Studio
Illinois Wesleyan University

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