Posted by Cale Self on October 22, 2003 at 12:57:03:
In Reply to: Marching Band Competitions posted by Just Wondering on October 21, 2003 at 12:07:55:
Speaking as a high school band director of a very successful program (and an avid euphist), I believe that 99% of this dilemma comes from the philosophy of the directors of the program. Is winning more important than the quality of music education of your students? Many directors (and students) miss the boat right then and there. Is it possible to blend artistic showmanship with fundamental marching techniques? Absolutely. In fact, it's vital.
Also remember that the responsibility of music education does not stop with the students in the program. It also encompasses the entire student body, the faculty, and most importantly, the community at large. We play music of the utmost quality on the marching field, but do it in such a way that the goal is not sullied in any fashion. Our goal (as a body of teachers) is to make our students better human beings, not just better players on their respective instruments through musical performance.
When a group of directors (or students, or parents, or community members) decide that the important thing is to win competitions, or to beat another band, all of a sudden they're limiting the potential of their overall quality. Never judge yourself or your ensemble (or your child's ensemble) on what another group does. When you do that you're letting someone else other than yourself (or the students) decide how good you/they can be. The goal is the highest possible artistic achievement for your ensemble. Scores, judge's comments, etc. will reflect that attainment when it is there. And most of all, the experience for the student is much more pertinent, applicable, and long-lived.