Klarinet Archive - Posting 001082.txt from 2004/03

From: ormondtoby@-----.net (Ormondtoby Montoya)
Subj: Re: [kl] re: no one left behind
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2004 11:54:06 -0500

David Blumberg wrote:

> That is my point. Put the ones who excel with
> others who do the same. Give the kids who
> can't learn easily the special attention that
> they need as well. [snip] And if the child
> can't behave in a learning situation, there's
> always home schooling.

David, I don't dispute this principle. It's a matter of practicality.
But another important principle often gets lost in discussions about
teaching methods. Please allow me to repeat my addendum:

Whenever we begin to discuss how to fight against cuts in music program
budgets, we invariably point out that music classes do more than just
teach musical skills. Music education also improves self-esteem,
physical coordination, ability to concentrate, socialization,
mathematical skills, etc etc etc etc.

What this says is that there's more to music education than just the
music itself. It's so easy to push this aside when discussing
excellence in music. Tony Pay's joke about "Maestro, _I_ read" "Oh,
you!... you need to practice more" makes this point so well.

Practicality always plays a role, but placing an assortment of musical
skills in the same environment has a value as well. Music is not
entirely about performance skills.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
doublereed-digest-unsubscribe@-----.
For help: email doublereed-owner@-----.org
Doublereed is a service of Woodwind.Org, Inc. http://www.woodwind.org