Klarinet Archive - Posting 000240.txt from 2002/10

From: w9wright@-----.net (William Wright)
Subj: RE: [kl] Marching band --- not what I expected
Date: Sun, 6 Oct 2002 15:51:11 -0400

<><> Gary=A0Van=A0Cott wrote:
However, the band itself is usually not voluntary if you want to be part
of the overall band program [snip] those wasted hours marching up
and down the football field or the street. How much better it would have
been to have spent some time playing in a jazz band or woodwind quintet.

Okay, this part of the issue makes sense to me.

In previous posts, I've argued 'pro-choice' and 'pro-specialization' at
the music school and university levels. Should a school take your
money and then say, "Sorry, we have too many clarinets and you're not
the best, so you're playing bassoon." ?

There *is* a value to breadth of education and participation, whether
voluntary or compelled; but at some point, specialization does become
more rewarding. Perhaps learning to play and walk at the same time is
one of them. <bad joke, sorry>

Thanks,
Bill

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