| Re: Grass Roots
This is a really important and interesting discussion, and I'd like it to continue if anyone has more to contribute.
As a young person, I have ideas coming fresh out of the school system. Also I studied music education for two years in my undergrad(I quit-but you can guess why by reading my stuff below). To sum up some of my thoughts:
Generally, I think that music classes should be driven periodically by student's interests in popular genres. I think that these popular genres can be used as a bridge to address other music such as band music, jazz, or classical. In this way, students can be musically bi-lingual, learning to translate musical concepts from their primary language or popular music to their secondary language of concert band music. It helps them to have a tangible grip.
However, I'd be interested to hear parents perspectives on the issue of their children's involvement in music/brass. As trumpet players what do you want your kids to be able to get out of their music educations? Would you hate it if they listened to hip-hop in their band class?
My thoughts on what I want this generation to learn in music classes:
Lets face it, there are not the jobs there used to be--so we are not out to educate a busting new generation of pro trumpet players. I think we should be trying to educate a generation of listeners, appreciators, and musically aware people. Otherwise, no one is there to listen when we perform.
thoughts?
-chris |