tubainty wrote:I don't think the point of the interlochen band is to win. Its a great piece and that's why it will be played. I'm sure the academy band will do wonderfully.
I'm sure it will be a wonderful performance. You're right. Camps like Interlochen that focus on the art and quality of musicianship are not about winning anything....just like how the NY Phil and Chicago Symph are not about winning either.
I don't want to hijack this thread....but....
To be perfectly clear about my post, I have no problem with Lincolnshire Posy or any group performing it. I just happened to stumble across quite a few art-musician-type band directors (read: froofy) that treat LP as if it were holy grail of band lit. I often wonder if it was because a) some teacher(s) along the way implanted in them that LP is the stick by which all band lit should be measured b) they are prejudiced to certain music c) they simply don't KNOW a lot of band lit d) they honestly and truly love that piece.
In my short 3 year career as a band director I worked to build a program from nothing. In my final concert before leaving the school and changing careers, I recall my most advanced band (mixture of middle school and high school players) playing some wonderful music. They weren't terribly difficult pieces, but I worked to help them make music out of it. More importantly I helped them to perform pieces that the audience surely never heard, but they were able to hear it and enjoy it for what it was......music and entertainment. I'll be honest. I don't recall what I conducted, but I enjoyed it, the kids enjoyed it and the audience enjoyed it. To me.....mission accomplished.
