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This is a blog on why we believe and do what we do, why we pretend otherwise, how we might do better, and what our descendants might do, if they don't all die.
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Smiling politely through yet another performance by my son's school band tonight, I wondered: why do school bands play music so different from what the kids, or even their parents, choose in their free time? Music at parties, movies, etc. is pretty different. The novels kids read in English class differ from the novels they or their parents read in their free time, but most people accept that school novels are deeper, subtler, etc., so that kids learn more by studying them. But do most people really accept a similar claim about band music? What gives?
Added: There are lots of high quality thoughtful comments here. So is there a disagreement here, or do you guys pretty much agree?
Who Likes Band Music?
Bottom line: School bands are business driven. Instrument makers/music stores have vested interest in kids buying, renting, repairing instruments, and selling band scores. The repertoire is typically mass produced by second rate, middle-aged white "composers" who use predicable, formulaic writing. The bland mush is pushed heavily by publishers and eaten up by band directors looking for material to fill a rehearsal. Kids are rarely exposed to multiple genres, almost never play outside of the band, and typically stop playing when they graduate. The class usually concentrates on 3 skills: how to play an instrument, read music, and follow a conductor. Students lack independent music making skills and seldom engage in creative pursuits. School bands are long past their prime.
to me some people do and some dont.take me for exsample i love them cause our band comes up with ours and people eat it up,mainly cause its something new and exsiteing.but thats pep band.and im a 8th grader in the high school band so i have both pep and middle school band.i like the middle school's better cause its party like a rock star,crazy train,finle countdown,& many more!!!!
RIPLEY TIGERS FOR EVER
THANKS FOR NOT READING IF U DIDNT BUT IF U DID IM VERY GREAT FULL,from a very very weird trumpet player