Klarinet Archive - Posting 000593.txt from 2001/05

From: "Dee D. Hays" <deehays@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] School Board
Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 22:22:13 -0400

I just wanted to throw some thoughts out on this subject too.

1. Music should be part of the educational curricula. But by this I mean
theory, music history, music development, music appreciation etc. Students
could even do a little simple composing and so on.
2. Band and chorus should be extracurricular activities for two reasons.
a) There isn't time to teach music in either one, what is being taught is
performance not music per se. b) If you are in band or chorus, there are
weekend and evening commitments that students in other classes do not have
to contend with.

This would make music education consistent with other subjects. For
example, all students have to take English composition and perhaps
additional English electives like speech class. Entering their compositions
in various contests is usually optional. Students in English classes are
not required to be on the speech or debate squads. They are not required to
go to weekend debate and speech competitions. The latter activities are
extracurricular.

I personally think that students should be allowed to letter in music
activities like band. I knew many students who lettered in athletic and
artistic activities. Although not big in sports, I managed to letter in
tennis along with speech, drama, debate, band, and chorus. A couple of
fellows managed to letter in several sports and drama or some other
activity. All of us put *ALL* our achievements on our sweaters.

Dee Hays
Michigan

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