Klarinet Archive - Posting 000595.txt from 2001/05

From: "Marty Josephson" <marty@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] School Board
Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 22:41:13 -0400

I don't comment much on this list, but here goes.

I played both football and was in the band. We did not have "band jackets"
or "band letters." I worked hard at my music--1st chair in high school,
honors all-state band, but playing football is harder physically and hard
mentally. It did not matter how much I marched and practiced, I was always
more mentally and physically tired after playing football.

However, that is not the point. If we would have had band jackets and band
letters, I would want them to be different. I would want to show pride in
the band and show that it was different than athletics, and I would have
worn both.
Furthermore, I think that it is a ridiculous concept to force band members
to play football or football players to practice music if they do not want
to do it.

My high school was a football power in my city. I never felt "devalued" as a
member of the band, but the facts are that more kids play sports than play
music. The same point that you are making in regard to band are the ones
that athletes in the
non-glamour sports make--where is the recognition. Ultimately, if the band
wants to be recognized, it needs to be successful on some level whether it
is competions, school concerts, or having a huge membership. The band needs
to be promoted. Right now, our local high school's football team just
stinks. The have won 3 games in 3 years. They barely have enough kids going
out for the team, and not many people show up to watch. But, the theater
program is fabulous, and droves of kids go out for drama. All the shows are
sellouts. But you know, I have been out of high school for thirty years. I
still play music, but I have not touched a football in years.

Marty

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