State of the Art

A few days ago I stumbled across an article in TOPS magazine about a woman who stated the obvious. She doesn't particularly enjoy going to her kids band concerts.  She gives various reasons like poor acoustics (we all know how fun it is to play in a gym) repetitive repertoire (how many times have you heard a 6th grade band play the same thing) and so on.

I happened to agree with her statements, I don't enjoy going to those things either.
Naturally, I start to catch heat for my words, but my friends are polite enough to accept my difference of opinion.  BUT I did notice a trend.  The people that were so disgusted by her article, were people from the Lexington Louisville area.  These areas have great band programs with great things coming out of them each year.  SO naturally, those people are disgusted by the thought that someone could talk so badly about middle school "squawkers."

I know the woman is a member of the board of education... I don't see why that matters
I know she is a daughter of a musician... I don't see why that matters
I know she has several children go through that schools band program... I don't see why that matters


NOW COMES THE BLASPHEMOUS PART:
I agree with her statements in a different light.  I think the state of public education as a whole is way out of balance... but particularly that arts programs.  Yes, I know there are several statistics that say art makes for a well rounded person, but that isn't the issue to me.

There are too many mediocre "teachers" out there.  I've seen MANY friends barely pass through theory I that are now teaching kids.  I've seen people who can hardly hold up their instrument to play a jury walk across the stage to receive a teaching degree.

So back to what I feel the issue is... how can you be pumped to go hear a middle school band play... when the person in charge can barely spell a C major chord in 2nd inversion.  Fine, we aren't going to hear these kids play to inspire us or shock us... we are their to support and encourage... I refuse to encourage mediocrity from the teacher... by showing enthusiasm for a poorly played tuning note.  This kind of encouragement projects onto the kids that mediocrity is ok in this industry.

Look around now, do you see how saturated the arts industry is with bullshit?  It's because at some point, half of the "artists" that are out there were told, "Oh that's great sweetie, keep it up" When really, it is no better than that drawing your mom put up on the fridge when you were in kindergarten.




We live in a society that fears failure so much that we allow bullshit to lower our expectations.  AND YES, I do believe it starts at a young age, like the middle school age.

I think the worst part about this whole situation is that the author of the article will be forced to apologize to the few people who even READ this damn magazine.  She just stated her opinion and many people disagreed... via SOCIAL MEDIA... apparently that is enough to warrant a boycott anymore.  This woman is allowed to voice her opinion about anything at any time about anyone.  If there were restrictions on that... then what is the purpose of the first amendment...

If we don't have rules, then we are nothing more than savages.

I've said this before in some past blog about how I feel about arts funding.  I know many of my friends disagree, but I say cut it all.  When you look at the times in history when people stopped funding the arts... incredible works came out.  We were forced to look inward without the help of finances and all of the mediocrity was pushed aside.  Artists have higher standards when there isn't that cushion backing you up.  WHY? Because it is OUR livelihood... when have to be servants to the people because that is what society is... goods and services.  We connect to people through various mediums, and if we can get paid from it because it connected deeply... the so be it.


Though that last rant had nothing to do with middle school band programs... it has everything to do with it... One last note... they say that those who can, can.... and those who can't, teach.... well what happens when those that can't, fail?