This topic may raise a lot of noise and negativity, and don't be afraid to voice your "REAL" opinions.
Now, their are several all-star, alumni, and mass bands surfacing all over the south. I understand that several of these groups are not headed by "REAL" band directors, therefore, its a possibility of some incorrect band techniques are being used in these groups. That's not the issue I'm trying to raise. The issue raised is, where exactly is the uniqueness of each group? All these groups are only out to do one thing..... "OVERBLOW YOUR LUNGS OUT!!!" In case we may not know it, we are setting role models for up and coming band members.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good band taxing anyday. However, this type of behavior is being escalating into these middle and high school bands and their administration have the notion and opinion that "Band is not a real subject/class." And this is also why they are not supporting the band director and more and more music, particularly band programs are getting shut down. You're probably saying, "the type of the band program depends on the band director of that school, not the groups you named above." That may be true to a certain extent. You can't control what they see. Its like the rap videos. When youth see the big cars, half naked women, the money, drugs, etc., how would you be able to convince them that getting a high school diploma, college degree, an honest career, etc. is the way of life? Well, the same thing applies to band.
Now, I know you're probably saying, "This ni55a doesn't know what he's talking about." "How is this dude gonna tell me have band is supposed to be?" Well, I'm not trying to tell you what to do with or in your programs. I'm just saying to the all-star, alumni, and mass bands beware. Because if this disease is hitting the public schools, what makes you think you're not gonna get caught up in what you're doing. Especially with all the money that you're making from doing these events and what the members have to pay in order to participate. Sometimes you have to ask yourself: "Is this used as Music Education or Music Business?"
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lol
Good points, But Who is making money?? lol, Hell much as it cost to make these Non Funded summer bands run, lot of times we end up paying out to do events lol. Especially going out of town.
LOL money?? What city do you live in? What do you for your youth in your community outside your job. In my city the high school band director doubles as band director/chorus director and no middle school feeder. With a budget of $1500 a year. We losing and n:@@as like you still crabbing. I cant speak for all community bands but its one in my city that has changed the life of many, promoting kids to live a righteous life and stay true to themselves. Its bigger then just band now brother we have to save our people. BLIND TOTHE FACT I GUESS
Good points being made about most predominantly African-American high schools music programs beginning to decline. I personally don't think it's because of the summer programs, It's not their responsibility to mold their respective programs instrumentalists. Students should know where home is and be able to distinguish the two. You can have fun over the summer but when you come back to school, its time to receive your education.
I understand the " overblowing" but hell some music teachers cant get there students to play a proper forte for crying out loud! Honestly, you should never teach band but always teach music, there are methods and exercises for every aspect of how to properly play an instrument. I don't hear anything unique about the summer programs either but it's sure keeping a nice sum of trouble makers out of trouble.
Also, a person who teaches music uses their heart more than their brain. You have to have a passion for it, it's not something you could just learn from a book and be the best at it.( Sort of applies to everything )
For your question, everything is education and business, think about it.