Klarinet Archive - Posting 000201.txt from 2002/10

From: w9wright@-----.net (William Wright)
Subj: Re: [kl] Rebecca
Date: Fri, 4 Oct 2002 18:49:21 -0400

<><> Rebecca Brennan wrote:
I don't remember if I told you guys this or not, but I'm being forced to
play baritone saxophone in concert band. I can't even play clarinet here
now, because I'm not allowed to.

Now *this* is a problem that I, and others on this list, have some real
sympathy for, Rebecca.

A year or so ago, this List had an extended discussion about the same
problem in upper level music schools and conservatories, where
college-level music majors are told up front that they may not be able
to play the instrument that they wish (at least, not all the time), and
they may not be able to play in the type of ensemble that they wish,
etc.

I'm one of the people who thinks that this should be unacceptable, but
others on the List point out (correctly) that sometimes practicalities
determine the outcome. What _does_ the faculty do if nobody wants to
fill a certain seat in the ensemble or orchestra, or if too many
students want to play a particular instrument during a particular
semester?

....and from a purely educational viewpoint, does a complete education
require that the student receive a broad education --- similar to
requiring that every student take at least one art class and one
philosophy class regardless of whether they like it or not?

Probably there's no completely acceptable answer to such questions, but
you *do* have my sympathy.

On the plus side, some day you may be very glad you had some sax
experience or experience with low-pitched instruments, even if they're
not your favorite. To use myself as an example, there *was* a time
when I nearly ran away from college because I hated a comparative
religion class. Nowadays, because the Iraq situation is *very*
relevant to my children's lives (military service, etc), I'm glad that I
have some deeper perspective of the situation beyond what CNN chooses to
put forth.

So once again, you have my sympathy. But it may not be all bad! Does
playing bari sax cause you to sit next to some handsome tenor sax dude?

Cheers,
Bill

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