[Dixielandjazz] Can you give me any hope?

[macjazz]

I did not mean to not sign this.  I wrote it off line and just did a cut and 
paste, without thinking of adding a name.

Mart

Martin D. McKay, (Designated Listener) (Retired music educator)

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "macjazz" <macjazz at comcast.net>
To: "Martin D. McKay" <macjazz at comcast.net>
Cc: "Dixieland Jazz Mailing List" <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 25, 2010 6:02 PM
Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Can you give me any hope?


> 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?
>
>
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