Klarinet Archive - Posting 000271.txt from 2004/04

From: <tony-w@-----.uk>
Subj: Re: [kl] Music exams in U.S.
Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2004 12:13:59 -0400

From: Mark Charette

> There are state-wide solo & ensemble "competitions" in grades 7-12 in many
> areas. They are not competitions per se, but a grade (I, II, or III) is
> assigned by an adjudicator. Each year the requirements for the solo &
> ensemble are given, and they roughly follow the same levels as the ABRSM.
> Performing in the S & E contests is not mandatory.

Thank you Gary and Mark. Could Mark elaborate a little more please with how,
as he says I, II, and III relate to grades 7-12. And whether the
requirements which roughly follow ABRSM will be grades 7-12, (as this does
seem to be some form of a system of 6 grades) or I, II, III, or both? Does
7-12 continue(?) *after* I, II, and III, or do they run concurrently? I.e.
what is the difference between these?

And what do you call them - 'grades 7 to 12': I, II, III: or Solo and
Ensemble grades/competitions?

There seems to be *some* form of grading - there must surely be, contrary to
what my UK associates are thinking.

U.K. teaching in all instruments seems to be almost wholly taken up with
examinations, with a small amount of 'recitals' which are not competitive.
The twice yearly rush for a youngster to eventually qualify for senior
school is almost paranoid I feel, but this is parental paranoia. I get
parents regularly pestering me. Do U.S. teachers suffer this too? I
sometimes feel that ABRSM is a huge national conglomerate wanting to 'drown'
our kids in a quagmire of exams. It`s Guildhall also, AND Trinity, AND
other lesser boards also. Almost similar to the disputed worth of 'media
studies' at universities. Where does it all end - it certainly provides jobs
for the boards doesn`t it!?!? But not for all the students. ALL TO ENSURE
OUR NEW MUSICIANS CAN PLAY THE SCALE OF C MAJOR CORRECTLY. IF THE U.S. CAN
DO IT WITH LESS 'BUREAUCRACY', THEN SURELY THE U.K. CAN!!

Tony W.

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