[Dixielandjazz] Can you give me any hope?

[macjazz]

Long post alert:



At risk of being called "ignorant," if not "stupid," (again) I will state my 
opinion and point out that music is changing everywhere - and not just "our 
kind."



Everything costs more but people are not willing to pay more.  The various 
political entities (here in the states) have decided they can best be 
re-elected by pushing "no new taxes."  As costs go up legislatures have 
responded by cutting funding to schools.  Music programs are considered a 
"frill" by those who do not participate.  Elementary programs are cut early 
in the game.  High school programs (which are very expensive to maintain) 
aren't far behind.



As each new generation comes to maturity without exposure to music (let 
alone without the opportunity to develop "an appreciation for music") 
support weakens still further.  Many existing music programs are hanging on 
by their fingernails.



Instruments at the same time have grown more expensive.  It isn't "the 
 thing" any more to get an instrument and put your child in band as it was 
even in our era.  We are no longer in a time where there is a piano in every 
parlor (because very few people have parlors) and past the time when 
everyone had an aunt who taught piano and would give you lessons more or 
less for free.



At the same time kids are bombarded with guitar every day.  They not only 
hear it and see it, it looks easy.  One of our local high schools that has 
difficulty fielding a 40 piece band has over 120 students in "programmed 
guitar labs." (At least they are getting some music and the band director 
still has a job.)



This is reflected in OKOM and everything else. I doubt that it will get 
better because the number of those who have never been a band or even played 
an instrument continues to grow.  About the only thing that might reverse it 
is recognition of  the lack of aesthetic development and understanding to 
such an extent that the general populace saws "Put arts back in the schools 
and we WILL pay for it.



What are the odds of that do you think?