First off, I have to say, that my instructors did nothing but teach me about music. I came from a show band in high school, never marched DCI, marched two years of WGI, and never did my instructors discuss high school and college band. My opinions come from my EXPERIENCE! Having been on both sides, I see which one is much better in the education process. I have taught show bands and competition style, and I believe, not just think, that the competition style is a better venue for education. So many kids do things at 75 or 80 percent nowadays, and this is a way to teach them to take it to 100. On a personal note, don't insult my instructors.....they have probably forgotten more about music, band, and education than you'll ever hope to know, which is obvious by your constant weak and ridiculous arguments with me. Sorry if I'm being snobby, but man, you're out of your element, so give it up.Rightupinthere wrote:This is the dumbest statements I've seen on AZZ.com in quite some time. Congratulations, snob-boy.Drummerfuj wrote: When you have a lazy, "show" band, you're robbing your students of a proper education, and I hope that you see that it's not fair at all to do that to your students.
I hope you realize that you will eventually be railroading your students into a very narrow mind-set......much like the mind-set with which your past/present instructors have plague you.
To this I say, why not have both? Uh-oh, I found the obvious flaw with your argument, what now? I eagerly await the clever quips that shall ensue. How about this? You go out and do this stuff. Go teach, and use your methods and have whatever kind of band you want, and at that point, show me how you are able to MAXIMIZE the quality and quantity of your students' education, and I'll back down. I think you must be mistaken, I'm not on here saying these things because I like to argue.....I'm saying them because I believe them, as stated above. So many educators lack the conviction and energy that is required. If a director wants to do a show band, just do it well. Granted, I don't care much for the style, but OSU's band is very good. If the quality of the average show band was anywhere near most competing bands, then I would probably not be on here. This is a forum for FMB members, past and present to share their views and ideas. I believe that if we discuss these issues, we will learn from each other and will push each other to be better educators across the board and then everyone wins, most importantly, the students. I might add, that I stopped by a local band camp this week to see 4 of my students who have graduated teaching a percussion section. They were all doing a phenomenal job at the young age of 18. Obviously, they learned a lot during their time in a program with a competition band, and a competitive indoor drumline.Rightupinthere wrote:*edit* I have friends who have these "lazy show bands" and they are also great sit-down bands. See, the band directors believe there is more benefit to their students in sit-down than in marching - that is where they apply their student's energy.
Experience, a clue, a valid argument. Get one of each.Rightupinthere wrote:Grip: get one.
As far as this debate about Huto era people, goes, the argument is ridiculous. Just because we disagree with stuff that's going on now, doesn't mean it's because we're from the school of the previous director. Things did get better with Dr. Hayward.......for a little while. It has however, turned into this Nazi-esque state of control that is completely unreasonable. When I heard that they got rid of the running man on game day rehearsal, I knew it was really over. As much as I think it's important to work hard, some fun traditions need to stay. I remember when we had fun at rehearsal, when people looked around and enjoyed their experience of meeting new people and working on a show instead of standing in line to shove their head up the director's rectum.
Niz, if you want to see what I'm talking about in action, get in touch with me. I'll take you with me to some rehearsals of both styles of bands, and will point out all of the aspects that make me believe what I do.
In a perfect world, we'd all agree, but that's not going to happen, so I urge people to find something that they believe in, and stick to it. There's nothing worse than someone who doesn't have any conviction. Just make sure you can back it up with facts, not feelings.
As far as the BOA thing goes. I am certain that it will not go over well for the FMB. if any of you think for one second that you'll get any respect from any of those kids, you're wrong. You're going to follow the number 1 band from prelims. Which means very likely the best band there.................do I have to say more? I'll be there, and only time will tell, but don't get your hopes up. I've talked to several past members of the FMB that did go to BOA in high school, and it's unanimous......it will be a disaster......we'll probably be the group of people sitting down front laughing through the whole thing, so feel free to stop by and say hello.
And oh yeah, I heard about one of the shows for this year, probably the one that will go to BOA. Wait to go Doc, hold on to those glory years, or should I say that glory weekend. Frontiers was already overdone, so just beat that dead horse until there's nothing left. Can't think of a good new idea?......just keep reusing an old one that someone else put together.
November really can't come soon enough.
