Klarinet Archive - Posting 000050.txt from 2002/06

From: "Lacy Schroeder" <LacyS@-----.org>
Subj: RE: [kl] Teaching the 'students' of today
Date: Mon, 3 Jun 2002 13:54:05 -0400

Yes, I was talking about performance majors. But you know, one of the
most fun playing experiences in my life was playing double bass with an
orchestra for about 4 years that was so-so. It was a good experience not
because the orchestra was good (like I said, it was so-so), but because
they were good people, friendly, and they were there to have fun and
make music.=20

One of the biggest realizations I had was when John and Bucky Pizzarelli
came to visit my undergraduate school (they're good buds with the jazz
guitar teacher there). They gave a recital for the music department, and
the room was completely packed. I was lucky enough to be sitting in the
front row, maybe 5 or 6 feet from them (there was no stage, it was in a
large rehearsal room). They had so much fun improvising and playing with
each other and for everyone, it just filled the room with electricity
and it was one of the best performances I've ever seen. Plus, it made me
realize that making music is about enjoying one's self, having fun, and
conveying that to the audience. I told John Pizarelli that when I spoke
to him after the concert, and he was very appreciative of the comment.
It's something that I'll never forget.

On the other hand, playing and performing on an instrument or singing
are certainly not the only aspects of music. One of the best teachers
I've ever worked with is definitely not a performer. He used to play the
flute, but has said himself that he was never very good at it. But, he
knows more about different aspects of music than most people I know.
He's an excellent opera/orchestra conductor, teacher, researcher, and
has a great sense of musical style when working with players and
singers. Even though he doesn't play, I still consider him to be a fine
musician and one of the best I know. I've learned a great deal from him.
The experience has made me a better musician and scholar, and for that I
will be forever grateful.=20

Lacy

> From: William Wright [mailto:w7wright@-----.net]
> Clearly the quote above refers to students who intend to be=20
> performers,
> such as performance majors in college. But I want to remind teachers
> everywhere that performance is not the only reasonable goal=20
> of learning
> to play music. And while most people want to play well in order to
> enjoy the experience, music is not necessarily a quest for excellence
> either.
>=20
> Cheers,
> Bill <who is a worn out record on this topic=20

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