Laurence Harvey
All-star
Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2005 5:49 pm Posts: 30 Location: Boone
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This is somewhat of an extension of the last topic on historical figures and the approaches of teaching them. Teaching historical figures has been somewhat of a burden in the music (public school) world for me. I would have to say that 90% of music has a religious purpose or background, considering that the beginning of music was founded in the church. It is all about choosing your words and having a reason for teaching about that person. When I become a teacher you better believe I will have a page of notes on every piece I perform and every composer I cover. It is sad I have to write the purpose of playing music in this litigated world.
_________________ hey thanks for listening
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Justin Bulla
Semi-pro
Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2005 5:48 pm Posts: 21
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Going along with the music issue, a couple of classes ago, we talked about the Laramie Project. One of the comments said was why do we need to make students see this if only a few are going to be affected? It was in that general sense. My response was, "Then what is the purpose of performing arts in the schools anyway?" Larry, we as music ed people, have a whole different weight to carry, as I believe people do of other subjects. However, most of the time, History, Math, Science, and English teachers do not have to "prove" the importance of their subject. We do. Part of this importance, to sometimes parents, administrators, and sometimes even the students themselves, is bringing home the biggest trophy, getting the superior, and being the best. It becomes more of a competition. If students can not express themselves through dance, theatre, music, or art, what is our purpose. I think partly, we are there so the students do not go completely crazy in a completely academic world. My thought...being a tangent of what Larry said above.
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