RE: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching
Yes, you are right Dave, the mouth takes a bigger bite than stomach might be able to digest. That´s with the band conductors (or - often - amateur orchestra conductors or conductors of community orchestras), who often become megalomaniac dreaming of international competitions & careers, losing any connection with reality & (fair) judgement. I do not look down upon community, amateur orchestras or band, as I participated on their activities since my youth, but I always felt, they are more or less gliding around in a nebulous sphere, having lost the ground, special if they are confronted with critic or correction. What I critic with the marching bands, is not the activity per se, but the often involved stupidity of commanders & subordinates together, resulting in mere terror & frustration often. The equalisation of mind, the loss of individuality (not in action but in thinking). Isn´t that dangerous for the future ?? The drill is necessary, but let it be training instead of drill, training like ballet. Things would be the same but still different, with more humanism. But often the supporting people are to be blamed, as they enjoy the dehumanisation of the single individual in the band. They enjoy surely, that the single individual does not exist more in the middle of the human machine. Marching show training can be done without playing full power, just mimicry playing. The music could come from the loudspeaker. But sometimes be really played. This would help. But not with egocentric puppets calling themselves band director or conductor. Why do the band instructors have no basic knowledge about all brass instruments ? The prerequisites for that activity are the same for all brass instruments, basically. Are they not capable reading books ? And Bb & F fingerings are based upon the same system, just shifted. Is that too difficult to be understood by band instructors ? May-be, their brain is organized to work still mechanically instead of digitally (some of you will remember the mechanical calculators with the winder ), who knows I definitely have not the military bands as target. That is a different world, and some of them make very good music. = -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, April 03, 2004 11:15 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching In a message dated 4/3/2004 9:08:51 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I have read this thread with much amusement more than anything else. Although I am aware that for some individuals, both drill work and playing is important in their life (albeit for sometimes differing reasons). Might I suggest that the concept of drill related playing was adopted from the world of "professional" military bands. ___ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
Re: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching
In a message dated 4/3/2004 9:08:51 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I have read this thread with much amusement more than anything else. Although I am aware that for some individuals, both drill work and playing is important in their life (albeit for sometimes differing reasons). Might I suggest that the concept of drill related playing was adopted from the world of "professional" military bands. Actually, the concept of marching rank and file and playing was originated in military bands back to antiquity, but the modern concept of an animated band drill was developed by Glenn Cliffe "Rusty" Bainum, then a (I believe) a graduate assistant at the University of Illinois in the 1930's. He went on to become Director of Bands at Northwestern University where he and other Big Ten band directors perfected the concept of an animated drill and music presented between halves of a football game. This "halftime show" concept is the precursor of what we now consider to be "marching band". I think it's not the marching or the music or the showmanship that most of us abhor. It's the absolutely inordinate amount of time spent on what should really be a recreational activity. I will unconditionally second the sentiments expressed that it is the school administrations and parents who are running this show and pushing a gaudy spectacle over the more important musical training that is important. We really need to bring some perspective back into this activity. As in so many other activities in which we and our children participate, all sense of proportion and reason have vanished. Excess is celebrated. To support this, consider this example. A local community band is conducted by a well known musician in our area, and is really a fine example of amateur musicianship. EXCEPT, the conductor absolutely insists that this band travel INTERNATIONALLY in order to improve its musicianship. C'mon. Honestly. It's a COMMUNITY band, not the NY Philharmonic, for goodness' sake. Proportion, people. Let's have some sense of proportion. Dave Weiner Brass Arts Unlimited ___ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
Re: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching
John, You had me laughing until I was in tears. Bravo to that director for putting the marching band into context. Chris - Original Message - From: "John Baumgart" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "The Horn List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, April 02, 2004 10:40 PM Subject: Re: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching > > - Original Message - > From: "Christopher Bonner" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: "The Horn List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: Friday, April 02, 2004 6:46 PM > Subject: Re: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching > > > > Dear Hornlist Colleagues, > > The can of worms that is the North American marching band > isn't education, > > and it has nothing to do with the real world of a performing musician. > > Exactly. When I was in college, we got a new band director (a hornist, by > the way) my junior year. His first move was to abolish the marching band. > The administration was opposed. His argument was that he wasn't going to > subject everyone to marching band until they start passing out comic books > in English classes. > > John Baumgart > > ___ > post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/cbonner%40swfla.rr.com > ___ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
RE: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching
Some are keeping up the good fight. While my daughter was in high school, the band director refused to have the band march at games--they sat and played. While the style of music he produced was not to my taste (Big Band, and ever hear of Blues Traveller?), he trained musicians. The school also has a choral and string program. We're also accused of being elitist. Herb Foster in Princeton, NJ --- "Pandolfi, Orlando" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Dear Colleagues, > > While marching band is indeed an entertaining show, the process that takes > place to have such a show is most often an egregious violation of fundamental > principles employed in the training of young musicians, particularly at the > high school level. The use of extra shallow mouthpieces, rote instruction, > not to mention improper embouchures has become a cancer among too many > institutions who put the half-time show above prudent training. > Unfortunately, it is such a popular medium, particularly in a blue collar > community, that most music educators must comply or lose their jobs. High > School administrators, either musically ignorant, overwhelmingly political at > the cost of sound education, or both are to blame. I know of very few music > programs where the director is strong enough to hold his/her ground and work > to cultivate a balanced wind ensemble program. Those who are strong manage > in a very short time to train musicians who can sit in the stands of an > athletic event and sight-read decent "pep" music with skill. Eventually, the > population grows to appreciate the sound and learn to live with the > compromise. > ... __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Small Business $15K Web Design Giveaway http://promotions.yahoo.com/design_giveaway/ ___ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
RE: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching
In response to... Lastly, marching band might not be a wonderful music education, BUT it is still a great educational experience. Marching band teaches you responsibility, leadership, patience, determination, and interpersonal skills. >From the viewpoint at the high school I attend, marching band is a necessary evil as >stated before. It does teach all the qualities mentioned above but also brings >together the companionship that is needed in a high school setting. One reason my >high school band is nationally recognized is for how musically we play together for a >high school ensemble. This comes from not only having private lessons required for >all but as being a "family" where it starts... marching band. The social is needed >just as well along with musical ability. In high school (or at least in a large high >school like mine) marching band is they way we get to learn about each other, and in >return we do play better together. - Jason - Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Small Business $15K Web Design Giveaway - Enter today ___ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
RE: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching
Margaret, you think I have no experience with Brass Band or Military Band (this is our naming in contrary to yours: Marching Band). I joined a semi professional band (Railway) when I was eleven, playing first horn: marches (and we marched also, even in the rain), waltzes, ouvertures, fantasies, sound track music, etc. and when I was 14, I played in 4 bands, means Railway, Tram & Electricity, City and a suburb with rehearsals on four different evenings, plus in a chamber orchestra & the local amateur (semi professional) symphony orchestra. I stopped playing in the band, when entering the full time professional orchestra at age 19. If you are not capable to endure critics, then you better cease making music. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Margaret Dikel Sent: Friday, April 02, 2004 8:46 PM To: The Horn List Subject: RE: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching If anyone needs to initiate an invitation to open the mind in communities, I believe it is you, Prof. Pizka, who most in need of this. It certainly appears to me that you believe that there is no good music unless it is done in a manner you feel is appropriate with no consideration for any other means. I apologize to the entire list for this conversation. However, I also apologize to you, Prof. Pizka, because I have really lost all respect for your thoughts on this topic. Margaret Margaret Dikel JCCSO Librarian / Horn 11218 Ashley Drive, Rockville MD 20852 301-881-0122 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/hans.pizka%40t-online.de ___ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
Re: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching
- Original Message - From: "Christopher Bonner" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "The Horn List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, April 02, 2004 6:46 PM Subject: Re: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching > Dear Hornlist Colleagues, > The can of worms that is the North American marching band isn't education, > and it has nothing to do with the real world of a performing musician. Exactly. When I was in college, we got a new band director (a hornist, by the way) my junior year. His first move was to abolish the marching band. The administration was opposed. His argument was that he wasn't going to subject everyone to marching band until they start passing out comic books in English classes. John Baumgart ___ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
Re: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching
I must have gone to a every unusual High School, because I did not have an experience like any which has been described here. Yes, my high school band began preparing music and drill work in late July and performed it through late October/early November (depending on how well the football team did). But being on the field was all about presenting the MUSIC. Yes, we have drillwork, sometimes very difficult drillwork, but it always complemented the music. If the drillwork conflict with the music (for example, a section have to do a large difficult move while playing a technically difficult passage) then the drill got changed not the music. As for the music, we several times played concert band works on the field, typically either Grade 5 or Grade 6 literature. While our director did arrange it for marching band, the majority of the piece, including its highly technical elements remained intact, he just adjusted to work on the field (example: Oboe lines were frequently moved into flutes, bassoon or english horn lines in Alto sax, and if an important line was in the woodwinds, then it was frequently double by the mellophones to project it, so yes, as a mellophone, I was expect to play technical passages from clarinet parts). And as a side note, ALL horn players were not allowed to use trumpet mouthpieces, as this could (would) negatively affect their horn playing!) Furthermore, stand tunes were only allowed to be performed if the band played them musically. When we'd begin to blast and neglect the music, we were not allowed to play them. Our concert program was just as competitive as our marching program. We had 3 concert bands. All chairs were determined by audition. In order to pass the class (including marching band) all students had to pass a scale test. Our highest band played mostly Grade 6 literature and received Ones at Festivals. We also had brass choir, woodwind choir, percussion ensemble, and other chamber groups when there were enough students who wanted to participate. Also, our director (who was a good trombone player) highly recommended that we studied privately because you could not learn everything you needed to know about your instrument sitting in a concert band. Lastly, marching band might not be a wonderful music education, BUT it is still a great educational experience. Marching band teaches you responsibility, leadership, patience, determination, and interpersonal skills. In addition, marching band definitely does hurt you physically and w/ all the obesity in the US, anything that'll help is good (as long as the director ensures it is a healthy experience w/ proper breaks and adequate water) As I said maybe my High School is an exception to a norm, but most of what has been said, I find to not be the norm among most high school marching bands. Just my couple cents worth. J. Long From: "Christopher Bonner" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: The Horn List <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "The Horn List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2004 19:46:09 -0500 Dear Hornlist Colleagues, The can of worms that is the North American marching band has been opened, and I feel obligated to drop my two cents into the wishing well of music education. It is appalling the amount of time and money some programs spend on a marching band. Most of these marching bands perform a 6 to 10 minute show throughout the entire "marching season" which just happens to coincide with football season. Bands will start working on these shows in early May, rehearse all summer long and then perform until late November. Some of these bands will rehearse up to 12 hours per week after school, as well as their regular class period five days a week. The budgets for some of these band programs run well over $100,000.00 just for the marching band. How do we justify spending 350-400 hours a year on ten minutes of music? This isnt education, and it has nothing to do with the real world of a performing musician. And if you think that I am exaggerating about the amount of time, I assure you that I am being conservative in that estimate, and can provide numerous programs in the state of Florida the spend much more time. I know this, because part of my making a living is writing marching band shows. Last year the band director at a highly competitive school, a school with numerous state champion titles told his principal that he was concerned with the amount of time and money being spent on the marching band and that he wished to back off the competition circuit so that more emphasis could be placed on symphonic, chamber and jazz literature. The principal told him NO. He told him that you will maintain or increase the competitive level of the marching band at the cost of all else. The director resigned I am pleased to say. Meanwhile,another band director passe
RE: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching
Dear Colleagues, While marching band is indeed an entertaining show, the process that takes place to have such a show is most often an egregious violation of fundamental principles employed in the training of young musicians, particularly at the high school level. The use of extra shallow mouthpieces, rote instruction, not to mention improper embouchures has become a cancer among too many institutions who put the half-time show above prudent training. Unfortunately, it is such a popular medium, particularly in a blue collar community, that most music educators must comply or lose their jobs. High School administrators, either musically ignorant, overwhelmingly political at the cost of sound education, or both are to blame. I know of very few music programs where the director is strong enough to hold his/her ground and work to cultivate a balanced wind ensemble program. Those who are strong manage in a very short time to train musicians who can sit in the stands of an athletic event and sight-read decent "pep" music with skill. Eventually, the population grows to appreciate the sound and learn to live with the compromise. I have been a high school music director for 16 years, and a college horn teacher for many of those. I can't begin to tell you how many potentially good horn players have been crippled by improper training due in most part to short cuts taken in order to perform in marching band. Yet, none of this surprises me given North American music culture. What the general public is literally forced to listen to on a daily basis has led to the dumbing down of our society. I had the experience of playing horn in a couple of European orchestras, and I must say that, although the U.S. music culture has crept into theirs, there was still a greater appreciation among the "common folk" for true art music. Unfortunately, I don't know the solution, other than in my own small way to battle the problem within my own tiny fiefdom. Keep fighting the good fight. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Christopher Bonner Sent: Friday, April 02, 2004 7:46 PM To: The Horn List Subject: Re: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching Dear Hornlist Colleagues, The can of worms that is the North American marching band has been opened, and I feel obligated to drop my two cents into the wishing well of music education. It is appalling the amount of time and money some programs spend on a marching band. Most of these marching bands perform a 6 to 10 minute show throughout the entire "marching season" which just happens to coincide with football season. Bands will start working on these shows in early May, rehearse all summer long and then perform until late November. Some of these bands will rehearse up to 12 hours per week after school, as well as their regular class period five days a week. The budgets for some of these band programs run well over $100,000.00 just for the marching band. How do we justify spending 350-400 hours a year on ten minutes of music? This isnt education, and it has nothing to do with the real world of a performing musician. And if you think that I am exaggerating about the amount of time, I assure you that I am being conservative in that estimate, and can provide numerous programs in the state of Florida the spend much more time. I know this, because part of my making a living is writing marching band shows. Last year the band director at a highly competitive school, a school with numerous state champion titles told his principal that he was concerned with the amount of time and money being spent on the marching band and that he wished to back off the competition circuit so that more emphasis could be placed on symphonic, chamber and jazz literature. The principal told him NO. He told him that you will maintain or increase the competitive level of the marching band at the cost of all else. The director resigned I am pleased to say. Meanwhile,another band director passed away in the state of Florida. His name was Jan Coolman and he suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 44. The stress of the job has claimed another. Not all band programs are this out of wack, but it is getting worse every year. The marching band pays the bills and is what the community gets to see the most. And if you live in Florida or Texas you know that football is king and that as long as there is football you will have a job because God forbid there is not a marching band there on Friday night. A principal can not spell Sibelius, and if he could he would probably think it is a new venereal disease some cheerleader contracted from the quarterback. Welcome to public school education in the United States, where the tail wags the jackass. Happy Thoughts, Chris - Original Message - From: "Margaret Dikel" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "The Horn List" &l
Re: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching
Dear Hornlist Colleagues, The can of worms that is the North American marching band has been opened, and I feel obligated to drop my two cents into the wishing well of music education. It is appalling the amount of time and money some programs spend on a marching band. Most of these marching bands perform a 6 to 10 minute show throughout the entire "marching season" which just happens to coincide with football season. Bands will start working on these shows in early May, rehearse all summer long and then perform until late November. Some of these bands will rehearse up to 12 hours per week after school, as well as their regular class period five days a week. The budgets for some of these band programs run well over $100,000.00 just for the marching band. How do we justify spending 350-400 hours a year on ten minutes of music? This isnt education, and it has nothing to do with the real world of a performing musician. And if you think that I am exaggerating about the amount of time, I assure you that I am being conservative in that estimate, and can provide numerous programs in the state of Florida the spend much more time. I know this, because part of my making a living is writing marching band shows. Last year the band director at a highly competitive school, a school with numerous state champion titles told his principal that he was concerned with the amount of time and money being spent on the marching band and that he wished to back off the competition circuit so that more emphasis could be placed on symphonic, chamber and jazz literature. The principal told him NO. He told him that you will maintain or increase the competitive level of the marching band at the cost of all else. The director resigned I am pleased to say. Meanwhile,another band director passed away in the state of Florida. His name was Jan Coolman and he suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 44. The stress of the job has claimed another. Not all band programs are this out of wack, but it is getting worse every year. The marching band pays the bills and is what the community gets to see the most. And if you live in Florida or Texas you know that football is king and that as long as there is football you will have a job because God forbid there is not a marching band there on Friday night. A principal can not spell Sibelius, and if he could he would probably think it is a new venereal disease some cheerleader contracted from the quarterback. Welcome to public school education in the United States, where the tail wags the jackass. Happy Thoughts, Chris - Original Message - From: "Margaret Dikel" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "The Horn List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, April 02, 2004 2:46 PM Subject: RE: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching > At 11:32 AM 4/2/2004, you wrote: > >Hello Margaret, > >your emphatic letter about the importance of the band activity reminds > >me, that there was (long time ago) a enormous movement here in Europe > >(Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Hungary) regarding putting > >all in uniforms, marching & marching again. Music was involved, but the > >emphasis of this music bands was on making music not marching. They > >marched where they had to march, but if they played at the sports field, > >they stood in place & played the music. It was not necessary to memorize > >as they read their music from sheet music, even while marching they had > >the mini music stand as a clip-on on their instruments. > > > >They received the marching drill in schools as some rhythmic drill in > >the sports lessons or later in the military. But youth bands were not > >drilled as your bands perhaps. Then the regime changed & all kids had to > >join certain government controlled organisations (I should be very > >careful with my words here to avoid misunderstanding) and marched again. > >So with the progress of education years, the young folk (ooops, that was > >one of the names) was prepared to join the war machine. > > > >We all know the outcome from history. > > I can't believe you would make such a comparison between marching > bands in public education and the Nazi movement in Germany. That > is such an outrageous statement that even I cannot fathom to what > depth you sink in this belief. > > >I guess, we should initiate an initiative to open the mind in the > >communities, to open the mind of the school directors, committees, band > >instructors etc. to put more emphasis on the musical quality of the > >bands, to avoid this blaring blast, combine good quality of playing with > >good quality of the band ballet (ha, ha !). There are so many > >similarities. Even in Europe "one had to belong to a band", if living in > >a small communi
RE: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching
At 11:32 AM 4/2/2004, you wrote: Hello Margaret, your emphatic letter about the importance of the band activity reminds me, that there was (long time ago) a enormous movement here in Europe (Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Hungary) regarding putting all in uniforms, marching & marching again. Music was involved, but the emphasis of this music bands was on making music not marching. They marched where they had to march, but if they played at the sports field, they stood in place & played the music. It was not necessary to memorize as they read their music from sheet music, even while marching they had the mini music stand as a clip-on on their instruments. They received the marching drill in schools as some rhythmic drill in the sports lessons or later in the military. But youth bands were not drilled as your bands perhaps. Then the regime changed & all kids had to join certain government controlled organisations (I should be very careful with my words here to avoid misunderstanding) and marched again. So with the progress of education years, the young folk (ooops, that was one of the names) was prepared to join the war machine. We all know the outcome from history. I can't believe you would make such a comparison between marching bands in public education and the Nazi movement in Germany. That is such an outrageous statement that even I cannot fathom to what depth you sink in this belief. I guess, we should initiate an initiative to open the mind in the communities, to open the mind of the school directors, committees, band instructors etc. to put more emphasis on the musical quality of the bands, to avoid this blaring blast, combine good quality of playing with good quality of the band ballet (ha, ha !). There are so many similarities. Even in Europe "one had to belong to a band", if living in a small community. But all depends, how things are arranged. If anyone needs to initiate an invitation to open the mind in communities, I believe it is you, Prof. Pizka, who most in need of this. It certainly appears to me that you believe that there is no good music unless it is done in a manner you feel is appropriate with no consideration for any other means. I apologize to the entire list for this conversation. However, I also apologize to you, Prof. Pizka, because I have really lost all respect for your thoughts on this topic. Margaret Margaret Dikel JCCSO Librarian / Horn 11218 Ashley Drive, Rockville MD 20852 301-881-0122 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
RE: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching
Hello Margaret, your emphatic letter about the importance of the band activity reminds me, that there was (long time ago) a enormous movement here in Europe (Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Hungary) regarding putting all in uniforms, marching & marching again. Music was involved, but the emphasis of this music bands was on making music not marching. They marched where they had to march, but if they played at the sports field, they stood in place & played the music. It was not necessary to memorize as they read their music from sheet music, even while marching they had the mini music stand as a clip-on on their instruments. They received the marching drill in schools as some rhythmic drill in the sports lessons or later in the military. But youth bands were not drilled as your bands perhaps. Then the regime changed & all kids had to join certain government controlled organisations (I should be very careful with my words here to avoid misunderstanding) and marched again. So with the progress of education years, the young folk (ooops, that was one of the names) was prepared to join the war machine. We all know the outcome from history. I guess, we should initiate an initiative to open the mind in the communities, to open the mind of the school directors, committees, band instructors etc. to put more emphasis on the musical quality of the bands, to avoid this blaring blast, combine good quality of playing with good quality of the band ballet (ha, ha !). There are so many similarities. Even in Europe "one had to belong to a band", if living in a small community. But all depends, how things are arranged. A country involved in military activities has other preferences even in music than a country not involved with this. Very naturally, but still makes me think about "bred & circus" or "who´s bread I eat, thus song I sing." -Original Message- == I am certainly not at the professional level of Prof. Pizka or others on this list, but I am going to take a stand on the issue of marching bands in the U.S., or should I say the decided attack on this musical institution, especially at the high school level. Margaret Margaret Dikel JCCSO Librarian / Horn 11218 Ashley Drive, Rockville MD 20852 301-881-0122 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/hans.pizka%40t-online.de ___ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
RE: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching
At 12:02 AM 4/2/2004, Prof. Pizka wrote: Michael, if you are really interested on progres for your horn playing, quit your bad activity & concentrate on practice & preparation for the youth symphony activity. You band director has perhaps a peanut instead of a brain, so do the superiors. Every weekday two hours marching exercises ? I s that all they can think about ? And two hours without water breaks ? For drinking or for pee ? Or both ? If you complain aubout pee, well, at your age even pumpkin seed would not help, but diapers could - just joking. Anyway, these marching show excesses using the school bands are an abuse definitely. I am certainly not at the professional level of Prof. Pizka or others on this list, but I am going to take a stand on the issue of marching bands in the U.S., or should I say the decided attack on this musical institution, especially at the high school level. I grew up in a region where music meant band. To be in the concert band meant you were in the marching band because you had to commit to the organization 100%, not just at the times you felt the organization would benefit you. And yes, marching band would practice for 2 hours at a time because we had to not only memorize the music (yup, no lyres) but also memorize a marching show and get into the proper physical shape to march and play at the same time (breathing becomes so important). For many school-age musicians in this country, their only musical education comes through the ensembles offered by their schools. They are provided with instruments, uniforms, maybe even lessons, and an opportunity to learn about music. Granted, the director can make or break a student and his or her love of music, but in most cases I believe what is offered, ***even if it is only a band program which includes marching, is a much better opportunity than may be offered to an individual on his or her own. For many school districts, funding for extra-curricular activities is based on the popularity of that activity in the community and the activity's ability to raise funds. Let's face it, for many schools (and universities) the main fund-raiser is football. If the band gets to sponge some of that money by providing a half-time show, so be it. I remember my school district suggesting that they could cut funding to the band and not have us march at the football games -- the community screamed. Yes, some folks enjoy those shows. I was very fortunate that I was permitted to join the local community orchestra my final year of high school. It gave me an opportunity I had never had before, something 98% of my friends in that region never got. However, I never turned my back on the high school band program that taught me a love of music and performing and gave me a tremendous education in exchange for half-time shows in the fall and parades in the spring and summer. Yes, I had to make some sacrifices in my "concert" work during marching season, but I learned to pack my horn the 2 weeks of band camp, then only work the mellophone (with a trumpet mouthpiece, no "adaptors" back then) when necessary during rehearsals. I spent time outside of rehearsals in practice, even getting permission to spend my study hall in practice, a right I earned as an A-level student. And my band director knew of all this and approved. If you truly hate band, then quit. Find your own musical way. For those of you who have had a wonderful orchestral musical education from day one and have never had to rely on the public school system and the popularity of marching bands to provide you with a music education experience, congratulations. But don't demean a system which has provided thousands of young musicians an opportunity to find music for themselves, many of whom continue to enjoy playing and performing without being paid for giving so much of themselves to entertain others. I dare to suggest that many in our top-tier orchestras started in band, and they seem to have survived quite well. Meanwhile, for those of you marching in the hot south Texas sun without water, remind your director of the many football players -- high school, collegiate, and professional -- who died from heat stroke in the past 2 years, and suggest water breaks according to the guidelines established by your local athletic conferences. Margaret Margaret Dikel JCCSO Librarian / Horn 11218 Ashley Drive, Rockville MD 20852 301-881-0122 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
RE: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching
Michael, again, it should NOT read "bad activity" but "BAND ACTIVITY". Sorry about the typo. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Hans Sent: Friday, April 02, 2004 6:03 AM To: 'The Horn List' Subject: RE: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching Michael, if you are really interested on progres for your horn playing,quit your bad activity & concentrate on practice & preparation for the youth symphony activity. ___ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
RE: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching
Michael, if you are really interested on progres for your horn playing, quit your bad activity & concentrate on practice & preparation for the youth symphony activity. You band director has perhaps a peanut instead of a brain, so do the superiors. Every weekday two hours marching exercises ? I s that all they can think about ? And two hours without water breaks ? For drinking or for pee ? Or both ? If you complain aubout pee, well, at your age even pumpkin seed would not help, but diapers could - just joking. Anyway, these marching show excesses using the school bands are an abuse definitely. === -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, April 02, 2004 5:40 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Hornlist] Emphasis on Marching Professor Pizka, Sadly were I live in the US, the band emphasis tends to be more on marching season. Just having the students blasting out stand tunes, and doing the marching show. Going out every weekday in the south texas summer heat of 90F+ after school from 3pm to 5pm.( and alot of days NO water breaks! About 85% of all the marching rehearsals in hot sun with no water break!) ___ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
