Klarinet Archive - Posting 000922.txt from 1999/07

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] school music programs(kinda defending corps too)
Date: Sun, 25 Jul 1999 01:29:48 -0400

At 07:33 PM 7/24/1999 -0500, Roger Garrett wrote:
>> (Bill Hausmann wrote:) 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.
>
I think we are arguing both the matter of degree and differing definitions
of the word "military," which you seem to give a negative connotation.
Certainly proper posture is valuable in the classroom and bandroom. The
difference between that and rigid attention is only degree. I, too, far
prefer a relaxed atmosphere, but relaxed is a long way from anarchy. If
the students know how to behave in ranks, you can back off from there more
easily than you can move up from chaos.

>> 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.
>
It WAS mine. Self-discipline, whether learned on the marching field, in
the practice room, the math classroom, the gym, or wherever, is a
desireable outcome in and of itself and can be transferred from one area of
endeavor to another.

>> 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.
>
LOL. I'm sure, however, that you understood what I meant. Showmanship IS
important in the study and performance of music. Not the MOST important
thing, and not needed in the same proportion in all genres and venues, but
important nonetheless. Sort of like windshield wipers are important on
your car -- not all the time, but in certain circumstances VERY important!

Bill Hausmann bhausman@-----.com
451 Old Orchard Drive http://www.concentric.net/~bhausman
Essexville, MI 48732 http://members.wbs.net/homepages/z/o/o/zoot14.html
ICQ UIN 4862265

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is too loud.

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