[Dixielandjazz] Schools Dumbing Down The Music?

[Russ Guarino]

I do agree with Barbone, however, that young people love OKOM when it is
delivered to them in a school setting, both elementary and secondary levels.
I've done both and we get rave responses.

They are getting out of class by coming to the auditorium and that puts them in
a good mood.  Consequently they are in a more receptive frame of mind and then,
once the music gets started, they get carried away.  It is important to pick
tunes out of your book that have fast tempos and exciting melody lines. The
tunes that "cook".  No slow blues.

Doesn't hurt to move a little on the stage either. Bop around.  Don't stand
there like statues.

I believe this experience sets the stage for more interest in OKOM as they
become adults.

Russ Guarino
Clarinet Maven & retired teacher



Bob Romans wrote:

> Hi Listmates!
> Can any of you remember when the Beatles and Elvis  hit the scene/top
> charts? Remember the reaction all of the sexy little teeny boppers had! Then
> all of the boys who were going through puberty, and all THAT entails, saw
> what it took to get the girls...LOUD DRUMS and AMPLIFIED GUITARS...how many
> Dixieland/OKOM  bands have those two ingredients?
> We have to remember that the kids today have developed their taste for music
> from THEIR dumbed-down parents/grandparents! We should just be happy playing
> for whomever will listen to us until we can discover that magic here-to-for
> unknown trick to get an audience who can appreciate what it takes to learn
> how to play OKOM! It will NEVER be as popular again as it once was. Get used
> to it.
> Warm regards,
> Bob Romans,
> Cell Block 7 Jazz Band
> 1617 Lakeshore Dr.
> Lodi, Ca. 95242
> 209-339-4676
> www.cellblockseven2002.net
> Cell 209-747-1148
> Because I play trumpet, I envy no one.
> """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
>
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