Band Discrimination

[Tom Mason]

Its been awhile since the last post on this subject, but something happened Monday that sheds some light on the way things happen sometimes................

I got a call from my middle school counselor. She wanted to confirm the numbers of beginners that we would have this year, and gave me a number of students enrolled for the course. I had a number in mind that reflected the students and parents that attended the spring band rental meeting. The number she gave me was 31 students more than I had recorded.

In our spring meeting, our local store rep attends and explains the rental-purchase process. We also explain that there are a limited number of school owned instruments that are available for students. Those who can not afford to rent/purchase are free to use a school instrument with the understanding that the needs of the band program are met. We also explain that the school does not own small instruments.

I heard several students at our local Wxx-xxxx talking to each other, saying that they were going to be in band, and that they were going to be given alto saxes, trumpets and clarinets. Their parents also thought that they were going to get exactly what they want.

I will loose most of these students by Christmas, because their parents will not invest in their future. Many of the parents who want free instruments drive 2006 model SUV's. I would bet that if I visited their homes, I would find big screen/plasma TV's and satellite receivers.

I wonder why I have become skeptical when I hear someone tell me that they can not afford an instrument?

Tom Mason

[tubaguy9]

Would you want your child to take an english class with an inferior text book ?

First off, you'd be suprised how many schools have inferior books. Second, kids don't really pay for those books. They DO have to pay for those instruments though. Bottom line, some parents can't afford these instruments and it isn't fair to deny a child the right to participate in music because they don't have Brand X. Not once have I heard kids being denied from orchestra. Does that mean it doesn't happen? No, it just means I hear about this more frequently in band. If these schools want their kids playing on a certain model horn, then they should provide them for those who can't acquire them. Denying kids the opportunity to make music is just ridiculous!

Ralph

Dang...I couldn't agree more...

[tubaguy9]

Would you want your child to take an english class with an inferior text book ?

First off, you'd be suprised how many schools have inferior books. Second, kids don't really pay for those books. They DO have to pay for those instruments though. Bottom line, some parents can't afford these instruments and it isn't fair to deny a child the right to participate in music because they don't have Brand X. Not once have I heard kids being denied from orchestra. Does that mean it doesn't happen? No, it just means I hear about this more frequently in band. If these schools want their kids playing on a certain model horn, then they should provide them for those who can't acquire them. Denying kids the opportunity to make music is just ridiculous!

Ralph

Dang...I couldn't agree more...

[Chuck(G)]

Would you want your child to take an english class with an inferior text book ?

Believe me, from what I've seen of middle-school textbooks, most fall into this category. It's beyond me who the heck reviews and writes these things.

There are terrible band books too. Many are set to get the group playing as a whole and the individual students can cruise through a year without knowing how to halfway play a couple of scales (using the book too).

I realize that a teacher with a room full of 40 kids with raging hormones just before lunch doesn't have an easy job, but it seems that some of the old books (like Rubank) were a little better than the stuff that's being peddled now.