[Dixielandjazz] Learning environment

[dave at creolejazz.com]

Good one, Mike. Occasionally, while the Creole Band's playing, a child will 
get up and dance and shake and just have a great time in front of the crowd. 
After the song, I'll usually say something like, "All children love this 
good old New Orleans jazz, folks. It's not until about junior high when 
their parents and friends beat it out of them." It gets a laugh but there's 
some truth in it. Sad to say.

Dave

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <Vaxtrpts at aol.com>
>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> There is nothing political about it, Harold.  Don't start with why 
> schools
> aren't as good as they used to be or anything like that; and how it is 
> the
> fault of the politicians and/or the teachers.  Anything to do with the 
> arts
> being dumbed down comes from record companies, PR firms, radio stations, 
> concert
> presenters...............and parents.
> The kids are "dumbed down" way before they ever get into a school 
> situation.
>
> I still see a few kids in schools who care about "good" music, and the
> initial inspiration came from what their PARENTS and GRANDPARENTS got 
> them to
> listen to.  If the listening habits are formed early, it really  helps get 
> young
> people thinking about music OTHER than what is shoved down their  throats 
> by
> people in control of "The Biz" today.
> So - here again - it has to come from the home environment before they 
> ever
> get to school. (Same as a desire to actually learn from teachers!)
> My two cents as a jazz educator.
> Mike Vax