Posted by Matt G on September 26, 2002 at 07:07:34:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Now, that's sad... posted by Eric on September 25, 2002 at 14:26:25:
Where is the issue?
If people in the audience know Sousa, shouldn't the people on stage? As far as the Carmen Dragon version being a little difficult, I do agree. However that is one example of many. I enjoy the "new" wind ensemble stuff as much as the next guy because I have a degree in music. Yet my wife who is seeking her PhD in math doesn't quite get it without me helping her get into it. The patriotic stuff is instant enjoyment, the "academic" stuff is somthing the audience has to be prepared for. We should continue to do both, but the excuse that too many people know the Sousa marches is a poor reason not to be able to play these pieces at any time. BTW, I have heard community groups absolutely sound terrible on run of the mill marches, but the people in the crowd, especially folks like VFW guys, really don't care. They still clap along and get into it anyhow.
Play music for the people and not the musicians.
Matt G