Klarinet Archive - Posting 000913.txt from 1999/07

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] school music programs(kinda defending corps too)
Date: Sat, 24 Jul 1999 20:33:44 -0400

On Sat, 24 Jul 1999, Bill Hausmann wrote:
> Judging from some of the classrooms I've seen lately, too many teachers
> think they are a good deal better than they are!

My point exactly.

> Being able to stand at attention in, of course, NOT critical to the study
> of music, although learning to SIT quietly, and silently, at attention
> certainly moves the concert band rehearsals along more quickly.

I disagree Bill. Sorry. I think it is much more healthy musically and
physically to sit in a relaxed atmosphere and try to develop the skills
without the tension, the strict adherence to military discipline, etc. I
don't view any really good public school classes as sitting at attention
and listening carefully. I see students who are respectful of the teacher
and sit quietly. Compeletely different thing altogether.

> Trigonometry is not too critical to the study of music, either, but band
> members study that, too. Just as most of the higher math kids study in
> school is mostly about learning how to learn and think logically, so the
> "discipline" of marching band is about learning overall self-control and
> self-discipline.

That wasn't my point. Please reread my earlier statemnet. But, if you
are making a new point, please be as clear as possible - I didn't
understand what you were saying. We were talking about standing at
attention as related to military discipline.....not the discipline of
learning music......completely different issue altogether....and not one
that requires a military influence.

> Even though I was in ROTC at the time, I never thought of the regimentation
> of marching band as "military." I thought of it as SHOWMANSHIP (which, now
> that I think about it, IS applicable to the study of music!).

I appreciate your clarification of what you think is important in the
study of music.

Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Director - Concert Band, Symphonic Winds & Titan Band
Advisor - Recording Studio
Illinois Wesleyan University

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