Posted by J. Benton on June 01, 2003 at 23:15:25:
In Reply to: Re: extravagant student ensemble trips posted by An. on June 01, 2003 at 14:02:06:
Ok... here's my problem with what you just said. Yes i agree with the fact that not everyone is going to be a professional musician. Nor is everyone going to become a math or science specialist with NASA, nor is everyone going to become a historian, a geologist, a biologist.etc.. from what you just said.. we can just cancel out the entire normal school curriculum.... SO this leads to.... the dumbing of society and this great country falling from its educational and cultural capital that we so proudly acclaim and admire. Bravo!
No really, we teach music (and i for one am a music education major training to be in this great vocation) to instill the students with some of the things that no other class can. If you can't see past this then. You obviously feel contempt towards music and your director and i feel sorry for you. Music has taught other people many many things. And should i say that musicians have historically proved time and time again that music helps students in math, reasoning, verbal, and other various skills needed to fully function as a benficial member of society.
As for the students spending time and time preparing for these trips.. NO ONE is making them be in the program. Like any other school in the country all it takes is a short walk down to the counselor's office and them to fill out a "drop class" form and they don't have to bother with this. I for one and many other on this post feel as though you are making assumptions without knowing the complete facts on both sides. You should learn that to make a well argued point you need to know all the facts.
Oh and one more thing. has anyone on here that's posted a negative reply ever heard of the word.....F...U...N...D...R...A...I...S...I...N...G! That's the magic word. students can fundraise, they can work (heaven forbid that they work.. oh no!) or ask businesses for donations. I know most of you don't realize this but businesses do take pride in the improvement of their community and many are happy to assist in this event as it not only showcases the individual and the school but also the community and what business doesn't want that?
J. Benton