Klarinet Archive - Posting 000940.txt from 1999/07

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] school music programs(kinda defending corps too)
Date: Sun, 25 Jul 1999 12:58:10 -0400

On Sun, 25 Jul 1999, Bill Hausmann wrote:
> Now I see where you misunderstand me. I was referring to having a marching
> band at all, not marching for competition.

I guess I can take the blame for the misunderstanding if that helps stop
the discussion.

I believe I already stated (and you quoted me) that I like marching bands.

> Of course. But you gave the choice of educating administrators IN LIEU OF
> teaching discipline to children. It is ludicrous to assume that one must
> make such a choice!

Never said that. But don't sacrifice educating public and administrators
and do the wrong thing with the students just to keep a job. Life's too
short.

> "Moderation in all things." Of course marching band can be overdone, just
> like anything else. But one cannot assume that it will be and therefore
> conclude that it is always bad.

I certain you are not implying I think it is always bad? I just can't
figure out what you mean otherwise.

> I don't see how marching band in any way interferes with the creation of
> musically literate people, and in fact I believe it helps, if only in a
> limited way.

Visit some more schools away from your immediate area and see how it
negatively affects musical learning/development. To say you don't see how
it can, not recognize that you may not be in a position to see how it
does.....

Don't take my word for it...........

But there seems to be such great concern that it damages
> embouchures and reduces "serious" practice time that it seems that the fear
> is stunting the development of future Stolzmans, Morales', etc.

Again, I just think you overreact to what people say. No one said that.
But as a person who deals with the problems of marching band jocks, I have
to reform nearly every embouchure that comes to me. This is serious
business - and the people I have to do that with ARE on track to play
professionally and teach.

> As for
> "prejudice I hold against all university teachers," where did THAT come
> from? Especially since my hypothetical situation clearly said "typical
> HIGH SCHOOL band?"

Just my interpretation based on your postings. Unless you say you don't
have that prejudice, my belief is that you do. And you still haven't
denied it.

> Personal experience and discussions with numerous other marching band
> players and band directors. Not to mention postings on this list.

personal experience.....please list:

> OK. Sounds like a perfect solution to the situation. You then proceeded
> with concert music, I would assume. You thus wound up with the best of
> both worlds.

Actually, I taught music, of which concert band was a vehicle within that
approach.

> I cite the same people I cited above. If you have evidence to DISPROVE my
> statement, that is, to prove that marching band is either ALWAYS or NEVER
> valuable, please post that.

I just don't believe your statement is fact. Especially without any
proof. Sorry.

> The "THEY" I referred to was the spectators in the stands at the football
> game, not the band members who, of course, you CAN teach in better ways.

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

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