Klarinet Archive - Posting 000784.txt from 2004/10

From: "Patricia A. Smith" <arlyss1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Appealing to the superficial
Date: Tue, 26 Oct 2004 07:47:35 -0400

Ormondtoby Montoya wrote:

>During this discussion, I've tried to imagine:
>
>"What would *I* do if I were a band director and if I wanted to 'do
>something' to K.622 in order to stimulate my student's interest in
>'classical' music? Of course, many band classes don't have this
>particular goal in the first place, but what if I wanted to do it?
>
>
>
Wow. What a discussion! Mozart is NOT dead, and he doesn't even smell
funny, either!

There is more here!

Introducing 1) woodwinds in general, and the clarinet, in specific to
the general music class; and 2) introducing Mozart to the general music
class ON THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEVEL.
Now, to clarify this a bit further: I'm aware that here in the U.S.,
our educational systems are quite different to those in the UK,
Australia, and elsewhere, so I can only speak to what I know about. I
would never generalize and say this approach would be appropriate
anywhere except where I've done it (well, at least, started it! *G*)

When I substitute teach in the general music class, one thing I notice
is the general lack of live performing musicians for these children to
watch and listen to on a daily basis. Kids LOVE not only to perform
themselves; they also like to see others perform. I love performing as
much as I do teaching. And for me, music is as much about that as it is
about anything else.

So...I like to simply pick up my clarinet, once I've answered the usual
questions, "No, it's not a flute, it 's not a recorder; it's a
clarinet," *G* and simply play part of the first or third movement of
K. 622. I realize I do not have a piano accompaniment. I also do not
always have my A clarinet handy. (Yes, sacrilege) I should. (I'll try
to remember to do so, in the future - especially with the older kids,
who would understand the distinction.) But THEY LOVE IT! Then we get
into whose music that was, and where it came from, etc. And guess
what? Kids like Mozart. Ok, so sue me. :p

Patricia Smith
(classroom showoff)

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