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Post by cinnamonpromenade on Oct 29, 2019 11:10:39 GMT -6
Can we not do political stuff on these boards. Thanks LOL It's okay to feel uncomfortable with these kinds of conversations. Our society's structure necessitates the subjugation of "different" people––people of color, people who aren't straight, people of lower socioeconomic status, people who aren't cisgender men, etc.––and so, to acknowledge such subjugation means to question the whole system. Not an easy conversation. Especially on a marching band forum. But for some of us, our sheer existence IS an uneasy conversation. Every interface we have with others highlights our differences, whether we want to or not. And I think that's why a lot of us gravitate towards band: it is one of the few social settings that allows us a seat at the table. And, as other posters have mentioned in this thread, Lawrence Township has gone as far as to celebrate these differences: not just acknowledge that differences exist (which, for many, is the first step), but to legitimize and highlight these differences. It is so special that their program and their artistic perspective exists. But the prominence of LT's new brand also brings to light how few other programs are able to present cultural differences tactfully. Or, it brings to light how many other programs whitewash such differences. For example, how many "tribal" shows have you seen? How many of them exoticize indigenous cultures with an "ooga booga" aesthetic, with no clear respect or understanding for any specific indigenous culture/tribe, let alone for indigenous cultures in general? I feel like I've seen so many in marching band, in winter guard, even in drum corps. It's been normalized... but just because it's normalized doesn't mean that it's fine or that it doesn't deserve questioning. I don't mean to chastise you, as I'm sure many other posters will see your message and think similarly. I just hope you can understand that the personal IS political, that there is no fair way of separating reality from politics, and choosing to ignore fundamental truths about this activity (and society at large) does not make these truths go away. If anything, take advantage of this free forum to ask questions, to dig deeper, to ask "why?"... with empathy and an open mind, you will likely find yourself growing in ways that you never knew you needed to grow.
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Post by marimba11 on Oct 29, 2019 11:41:54 GMT -6
Can we not do political stuff on these boards. Thanks LOL It's okay to feel uncomfortable with these kinds of conversations. Our society's structure necessitates the subjugation of "different" people––people of color, people who aren't straight, people of lower socioeconomic status, people who aren't cisgender men, etc.––and so, to acknowledge such subjugation means to question the whole system. Not an easy conversation. Especially on a marching band forum. But for some of us, our sheer existence IS an uneasy conversation. Every interface we have with others highlights our differences, whether we want to or not. And I think that's why a lot of us gravitate towards band: it is one of the few social settings that allows us a seat at the table. And, as other posters have mentioned in this thread, Lawrence Township has gone as far as to celebrate these differences: not just acknowledge that differences exist (which, for many, is the first step), but to legitimize and highlight these differences. It is so special that their program and their artistic perspective exists. But the prominence of LT's new brand also brings to light how few other programs are able to present cultural differences tactfully. Or, it brings to light how many other programs whitewash such differences. For example, how many "tribal" shows have you seen? How many of them exoticize indigenous cultures with an "ooga booga" aesthetic, with no clear respect or understanding for any specific indigenous culture/tribe, let alone for indigenous cultures in general? I feel like I've seen so many in marching band, in winter guard, even in drum corps. It's been normalized... but just because it's normalized doesn't mean that it's fine or that it doesn't deserve questioning. I don't mean to chastise you, as I'm sure many other posters will see your message and think similarly. I just hope you can understand that the personal IS political, that there is no fair way of separating reality from politics, and choosing to ignore fundamental truths about this activity (and society at large) does not make these truths go away. If anything, take advantage of this free forum to ask questions, to dig deeper, to ask "why?"... with empathy and an open mind, you will likely find yourself growing in ways that you never knew you needed to grow. I must say you make a compelling case lol. I once heard someone say “everything is political!” Haha. The difference is being a victim is a dangerous road to go down. Bringing light issues in our society is one thing, but defending them to no end. Avon isn’t going to win grand nationals by highlighting everything in their way and harping on that. See this is why we shouldn’t do politics. Not because there aren’t points to be made, but the discourse in this country is very ugly
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Post by thewho on Oct 29, 2019 11:50:52 GMT -6
LOL It's okay to feel uncomfortable with these kinds of conversations. Our society's structure necessitates the subjugation of "different" people––people of color, people who aren't straight, people of lower socioeconomic status, people who aren't cisgender men, etc.––and so, to acknowledge such subjugation means to question the whole system. Not an easy conversation. Especially on a marching band forum. But for some of us, our sheer existence IS an uneasy conversation. Every interface we have with others highlights our differences, whether we want to or not. And I think that's why a lot of us gravitate towards band: it is one of the few social settings that allows us a seat at the table. And, as other posters have mentioned in this thread, Lawrence Township has gone as far as to celebrate these differences: not just acknowledge that differences exist (which, for many, is the first step), but to legitimize and highlight these differences. It is so special that their program and their artistic perspective exists. But the prominence of LT's new brand also brings to light how few other programs are able to present cultural differences tactfully. Or, it brings to light how many other programs whitewash such differences. For example, how many "tribal" shows have you seen? How many of them exoticize indigenous cultures with an "ooga booga" aesthetic, with no clear respect or understanding for any specific indigenous culture/tribe, let alone for indigenous cultures in general? I feel like I've seen so many in marching band, in winter guard, even in drum corps. It's been normalized... but just because it's normalized doesn't mean that it's fine or that it doesn't deserve questioning. I don't mean to chastise you, as I'm sure many other posters will see your message and think similarly. I just hope you can understand that the personal IS political, that there is no fair way of separating reality from politics, and choosing to ignore fundamental truths about this activity (and society at large) does not make these truths go away. If anything, take advantage of this free forum to ask questions, to dig deeper, to ask "why?"... with empathy and an open mind, you will likely find yourself growing in ways that you never knew you needed to grow. I must say you make a compelling case lol. I once heard someone say “everything is political!” Haha. The difference is being a victim is a dangerous road to go down. Bringing light issues in our society is one thing, but defending them to no end. Avon isn’t going to win grand nationals by highlighting everything in their way and harping on that. See this is why we shouldn’t do politics. Not because there aren’t points to be made, but the discourse in this country is very ugly I know that this is very sensitive ground for everyone and maybe that's why you posted the comment. Though I think quite a few will politely disagree, your views are valid as any other and this conversation isn't any means of denying you those opinions. However, in cinnamonpromenade's, principalagent's, and my defense, we're celebrating Lawrence Township and their achievements this year. I'd rather keep the focus on that rather than risking this spiraling into something else entirely. So, please, stop.
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Post by Jake W. on Oct 29, 2019 11:58:11 GMT -6
I must say you make a compelling case lol. I once heard someone say “everything is political!” Haha. The difference is being a victim is a dangerous road to go down. Bringing light issues in our society is one thing, but defending them to no end. Avon isn’t going to win grand nationals by highlighting everything in their way and harping on that. See this is why we shouldn’t do politics. Not because there aren’t points to be made, but the discourse in this country is very ugly Discourse does often get ugly, especially at this point in our country, but it hasn't so far, and I would wager that it won't get ugly on these forums. We're all lovers of the activity, and I think (I hope anyway) everyone can at least begin from a common starting point of acknowledging that the marching arts inherently thrive in upper middle class to affluent, often white, suburbs. Hell, that's even been discussed on DCP over the last few seasons (how drum corps at the WC level is increasingly becoming inaccessible to all but the privileged), and if DCP can make a constructive conversation out of the issue, we sure as hell can here!! Remember, noting gets as toxic as DCP : ) Plus, this thread seems very relevant for the discussion. The Indy Regional is over and there's little need to post here otherwise. And all of this came about discussing LT, who, along with BD, Spring, Westfield, Duncanville, & Marian, is the poster child for this really interesting shift some places are experiencing in our marching arts community.
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Post by thewho on Oct 29, 2019 12:12:31 GMT -6
I must say you make a compelling case lol. I once heard someone say “everything is political!” Haha. The difference is being a victim is a dangerous road to go down. Bringing light issues in our society is one thing, but defending them to no end. Avon isn’t going to win grand nationals by highlighting everything in their way and harping on that. See this is why we shouldn’t do politics. Not because there aren’t points to be made, but the discourse in this country is very ugly Discourse does often get ugly, especially at this point in our country, but it hasn't so far, and I would wager that it won't get ugly on these forums. We're all lovers of the activity, and I think (I hope anyway) everyone can at least begin from a common starting point of acknowledging that the marching arts inherently thrive in upper middle class to affluent, often white, suburbs. Hell, that's even been discussed on DCP over the last few seasons (how drum corps at the WC level is increasingly becoming inaccessible to all but the privileged), and if DCP can make a constructive conversation out of the issue, we sure as hell can here!! Remember, noting gets as toxic as DCP : ) Plus, this thread seems very relevant for the discussion. The Indy Regional is over and there's little need to post here otherwise. And all of this came about discussing LT, who, along with BD, Spring, Westfield, Duncanville, & Marian, is the poster child for this really interesting shift some places are experiencing in our marching arts community. Don't forget Concord in Elkhart, too! There has been a ton of Hispanic movement towards the city to work in the factories in the last few years, and that influence has been bleeding into the band program a bit too. Concord had a state finalist show last year that was based around a lot of Mexican traditions, inspired by Cirque du Soleil's Luzia (killer circus show too!). Historically, Concord has always been huge despite the school population, but the school program's embrace of their Hispanic students goes beyond just enrolling them in band. Concord has always had low band fees, and worked hard year after year to keep them down so essentially anyone could join. I've been the benefactor of low band fees before and they can go a long, long way for a student's health and well-being.
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Post by cinnamonpromenade on Oct 29, 2019 12:27:19 GMT -6
I must say you make a compelling case lol. I once heard someone say “everything is political!” Haha. The difference is being a victim is a dangerous road to go down. Bringing light issues in our society is one thing, but defending them to no end. Avon isn’t going to win grand nationals by highlighting everything in their way and harping on that. See this is why we shouldn’t do politics. Not because there aren’t points to be made, but the discourse in this country is very ugly As ugly as the discourse may be, it only reflects the ugly truths that exist in our society. I wish these conversations were easier to have, but consider why they become so emotionally charged: people's lives, freedoms, and well-being are at stake. We shouldn't victimize people once we acknowledge their identities/demographics. But we also can't do the opposite: ignore that there are differences. Being silent doesn't help anyone (except those who already benefit from the inequitable power dynamics of our society). For the sake of not derailing this thread any further, I'll leave you with this. I am a full-time educator in the marching arts. I love this activity because I've seen it become the sole refuge for so many students, especially those of minority demographics. Hell, I love this activity because it's been my sole refuge. We as educators have the power to get our kids to win trophies, sure––but we also have the power to give kids life-changing experiences that let them know they belong. We can teach kids empathy. We can teach kids discipline, hard work, and accountability. We can encourage kids to strive for their best versions of themselves, and we can also treat them kindly and equitably when they inevitably fail. We can teach our more enfranchised students to support their disenfranchised peers. When we are all honest about our differences, we can learn the best ways to empower each other. And when we are all empowered, we all win.
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Post by marimba11 on Oct 29, 2019 12:52:12 GMT -6
I must say you make a compelling case lol. I once heard someone say “everything is political!” Haha. The difference is being a victim is a dangerous road to go down. Bringing light issues in our society is one thing, but defending them to no end. Avon isn’t going to win grand nationals by highlighting everything in their way and harping on that. See this is why we shouldn’t do politics. Not because there aren’t points to be made, but the discourse in this country is very ugly As ugly as the discourse may be, it only reflects the ugly truths that exist in our society. I wish these conversations were easier to have, but consider why they become so emotionally charged: people's lives, freedoms, and well-being are at stake. We shouldn't victimize people once we acknowledge their identities/demographics. But we also can't do the opposite: ignore that there are differences. Being silent doesn't help anyone (except those who already benefit from the inequitable power dynamics of our society). For the sake of not derailing this thread any further, I'll leave you with this. I am a full-time educator in the marching arts. I love this activity because I've seen it become the sole refuge for so many students, especially those of minority demographics. Hell, I love this activity because it's been my sole refuge. We as educators have the power to get our kids to win trophies, sure––but we also have the power to give kids life-changing experiences that let them know they belong. We can teach kids empathy. We can teach kids discipline, hard work, and accountability. We can encourage kids to strive for their best versions of themselves, and we can also treat them kindly and equitably when they inevitably fail. We can teach our more enfranchised students to support their disenfranchised peers. When we are all honest about our differences, we can learn the best ways to empower each other. And when we are all empowered, we all win. Wow. I couldn’t have said it any better😭
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Post by bandio on Oct 29, 2019 18:36:40 GMT -6
What a great thread to read. I was at finals. Lincolnway was on fire! So cool! Avon was impressive. Carmel is the New England patriots of band. Don’t make mistakes. Very methodical. And efficient. I will miss blue springs at grand nats. So good!! Homestead was really fun too! LT... Wow!! So many different styles and I walked away in awe. Thanks band directors!
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Post by dallasman on Oct 30, 2019 6:04:05 GMT -6
- Band should be apolitical.
- Students' experience should be apolitical.
- Blaming straight white men as part of a perceived victimhood status doesn't land as much street cred anymore. Stop doing it.
- Everyone has an experience. Most have ups and downs just the same.
- Celebrate differences, but realize that everyone in some way, shape, or form is battling something.
- Stop looking at schools by skin color and assuming they should do more to promote a given agenda. That's ridiculous.
- History is complicated -- Ask the southern democrats who oppressed, Al Gore's father or Nathan Bedford Forrest (KKK). Let's say we take a real look at American History.. who is writing it? Was there a 'party switch' convention? No. Let's not take marching band don't that route.
- Assuming that public schools who are more diverse should lead the charge on anything is inappropriate within this arena.
- Tasteful programs have been performed in the past tackling certain issues. It isn't the students' racial makeup… it's doing something well.
- SJW agendas have no place on the field.
- I know that someone directing some band will try to push social issues more down the line. Save it for drum corps. High schoolers should not be subjected to an adult's point-of-view in the public school arena. Private schools can go further, based on religious affiliations, etc. as we have seen before.
- It is mildly offensive to suggest that only certain programs can or should cover specific subject matter. We live in a great country and no matter who you are you can succeed here -- on your own - with hard work and perhaps a stroke of luck.
As much as this thread discusses politics and/or trying to remain above them, we have been going down a road of indoctrination via teachers unions for some time on trying to demonize our great country rather than remain apolitical. I do not want to see that mentality infiltrate marching band. America remains awesome.
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Post by tepidcoffee on Oct 30, 2019 9:44:39 GMT -6
Band should be apolitical--I agree.
This thread has turned political--I disagree.
Politics is the competition of people or factions for office, for authority, for the right to govern. I haven't seen any politics in this thread except when people said to stop being political.
I have been reading a rich, insightful discussion of societal and cultural issues from several differing points of view. And while the societal and cultural issues are interesting, it's having the different points of view that make the discussion so much better.
Do those cultural and societal issues make it into politics? Certainly they do, because it's an easy way for politicians and factions to get votes by casting other groups (the more visible, the better) as the "bad" ones. But if, to use a completely hypothetical example, Russia got dragged into politics, would we then say that bands playing Russian music were political?
Band should deal with societal and cultural issues. All art should! That's why we do art, to challenge ourselves and expand our understanding of the world and of each other. This discussion took a turn for the better when it shifted from the horserace of scores and placements to the joy, sorrow and frustration that the art of marching band, and that particular shows, can inspire in us!
I would love to read more of this. I'm back into the marching scene this year as a band parent, almost three decades after I graduated from my high school band, and I am fascinated by how much it has changed. Until I read this discussion, I had dismissed a lot of the programming as high-concept, inaccessible artsy-fartsy (can I say that?) stuff that no normal person would get. Now I'm starting to re-think that, and to look for help understanding what's going on and the various lenses through which I can view it. Thank you, thewho and principalagent, for getting this discussion rolling, and to all who have continued it.
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Post by trumpette123 on Oct 30, 2019 10:37:09 GMT -6
The thread got very interesting and I wish I had been present while it was actively going on. Currently taking a CRM (Culture, Race, & Media) class in college has educated me quite a bit. As far as Carmel's TOTEM, you could say "Culture Appropriation," but. Was it done distastefully? I don't think so, they weren't profiting off of it. They didn't portray any stereotypes on Native American culture in a bad way. (From what I remember.) As far as the "Political or Not Political." Diversity is important (even in BOA, not just DCI) and representing all walks of life, (POC, LGBTQ, Women) is important in BOA because these kids are OUR future. And if they don't have role models to look up to (that represent them) that could be harmful in a way. If you know Lindsey Vento and listen to her speak about Women in DCI, I think you'll understand what I am trying to echo. Now if you look down at the field during finals retreat and you see the staff standing in the front, you do see diversity. Could it be more diverse? Sure. But it is there. Two things that I'd like to just throw out there. I don't recall any comments on Ronald Reagan's show in 2016 (One Love.) Or any comments this year on Rosemont's show this year, Transcendence (Their front ensemble was literally "praying.")
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Post by wildcat77 on Oct 30, 2019 12:26:45 GMT -6
Band should be apolitical--I agree. This thread has turned political--I disagree. Politics is the competition of people or factions for office, for authority, for the right to govern. I haven't seen any politics in this thread except when people said to stop being political. I have been reading a rich, insightful discussion of societal and cultural issues from several differing points of view. And while the societal and cultural issues are interesting, it's having the different points of view that make the discussion so much better. Do those cultural and societal issues make it into politics? Certainly they do, because it's an easy way for politicians and factions to get votes by casting other groups (the more visible, the better) as the "bad" ones. But if, to use a completely hypothetical example, Russia got dragged into politics, would we then say that bands playing Russian music were political? Band should deal with societal and cultural issues. All art should! That's why we do art, to challenge ourselves and expand our understanding of the world and of each other. This discussion took a turn for the better when it shifted from the horserace of scores and placements to the joy, sorrow and frustration that the art of marching band, and that particular shows, can inspire in us! I would love to read more of this. I'm back into the marching scene this year as a band parent, almost three decades after I graduated from my high school band, and I am fascinated by how much it has changed. Until I read this discussion, I had dismissed a lot of the programming as high-concept, inaccessible artsy-fartsy (can I say that?) stuff that no normal person would get. Now I'm starting to re-think that, and to look for help understanding what's going on and the various lenses through which I can view it. Thank you, thewho and principalagent, for getting this discussion rolling, and to all who have continued it. This essay on the Lafayette H.S. (KY) show, Seeking Refuge, interprets the show as a political statement about the Trump Administration's treatment of immigrant children. I'd love to hear the group's reaction. www.patheos.com/blogs/ecopreacher/2019/10/seeking-refuge-surprising-prophetic-vision-marching-band/
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Post by angelee on Oct 30, 2019 12:59:21 GMT -6
- Band should be apolitical. As much as this thread discusses politics and/or trying to remain above them, we have been going down a road of indoctrination via teachers unions for some time This right here is a political statement. Please do not drag teachers unions into the indoctrination discussion. If you’re a teacher, you’d know that isn’t true.
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Post by dallasman on Oct 30, 2019 13:47:37 GMT -6
- Band should be apolitical. As much as this thread discusses politics and/or trying to remain above them, we have been going down a road of indoctrination via teachers unions for some time This right here is a political statement. Please do not drag teachers unions into the indoctrination discussion. If you’re a teacher, you’d know that isn’t true. I don't have to drag them into it. They are pushing for the curriculum. Sure, I can make political statements about what I think is happening and why I don't want to see similar indoctrination finding its way into the fine arts. Any basic research will unearth that the AFT and other teacher unions donate 90%+ to democrats. Fine if you are a democrat or leftist..not so great if you are not.
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Post by hsbandnerd212 on Oct 30, 2019 13:53:19 GMT -6
Band should deal with societal and cultural issues. All art should! That's why we do art, to challenge ourselves and expand our understanding of the world and of each other. This discussion took a turn for the better when it shifted from the horserace of scores and placements to the joy, sorrow and frustration that the art of marching band, and that particular shows, can inspire in us! I now wholeheartedly agree. The direction this thread has turned in has broadened my knowledge and helped me realize that marching band, like any other art form, is influenced by real-world issues. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this discussion.
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Post by marimba11 on Oct 30, 2019 15:05:21 GMT -6
Band should deal with societal and cultural issues. All art should! That's why we do art, to challenge ourselves and expand our understanding of the world and of each other. This discussion took a turn for the better when it shifted from the horserace of scores and placements to the joy, sorrow and frustration that the art of marching band, and that particular shows, can inspire in us! I now wholeheartedly agree. The direction this thread has turned in has broadened my knowledge and helped me realize that marching band, like any other art form, is influenced by real-world issues. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this discussion. True but as the rebuttal is just because band (or any art) can influence / be influenced by real world issues doesn’t mean that it should. Just because you can do a show about a plan crashing doesn’t mean you should ect. Sometimes it doesn’t need to be intellectual whatever. Sometimes exploring basic things is enough for art/ band or whatever the media/ medium
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Post by N.E. Brigand on Oct 30, 2019 15:17:29 GMT -6
Band should deal with societal and cultural issues. All art should! That's why we do art, to challenge ourselves and expand our understanding of the world and of each other. This discussion took a turn for the better when it shifted from the horserace of scores and placements to the joy, sorrow and frustration that the art of marching band, and that particular shows, can inspire in us! Is this really true? In what sense is most music political? How, for instance, is Beethoven's fifth symphony political?
(I have no objection to political art. Two of my favorite recent films were The Death of Stalin and Vice. But I completely understand the dangers of discussing political subjects online and the reason many non-political forums forbid or severely constrain such discussions!)
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Post by Jake W. on Oct 30, 2019 15:18:36 GMT -6
I don't have to drag them into it. They are pushing for the curriculum. Sure, I can make political statements about what I think is happening and why I don't want to see similar indoctrination finding its way into the fine arts. Any basic research will unearth that the AFT and other teacher unions donate 90%+ to democrats. Fine if you are a democrat or leftist..not so great if you are not. What an odd direction to take this thread. Of course teacher’s unions donate 90% to democrats; republican platforms generally haven’t been proactive about the health of our public schools since Poppy Bush, and are often trying to enact policy that tears down the strength of our public schools (voucher programs, charter schools, the pipe dream of dismantling the Department of Education just to name a few). It just makes sense that teachers & teacher’s unions often vote in accordance with preserving the strength of this career they’ve dedicated their lives too. That doesn’t translate to indoctrination. It simply translates to how someone or a group of someones vote in their private life in order to preserve opportunities for themselves and their students. By the way, as far as politics not belonging in band, the ship has sailed on that one. Politics and current events always bleed into the arts. The arts are many things; one of which can absolutely be a mirror for current events. But in terms of band, we already have Dresden 1945, Music for Prague 1968, A Movement for Rosa, Slava!, etc as undeniable staples of band literature.
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Post by Allohak on Oct 30, 2019 18:48:45 GMT -6
There have been so many times that this discussion could have become really heated - thanks for keeping it civil in here folks! Very glad we haven't had to shut this thread down (Similar has been said before, but it really is amazing how this forum [and others related to it {BOA/MFA, txbands, etc.}] is able to stay generally positive and respectful even when differences in opinion/taste pop up!)
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Post by dallasman on Oct 31, 2019 9:10:26 GMT -6
I don't have to drag them into it. They are pushing for the curriculum. Sure, I can make political statements about what I think is happening and why I don't want to see similar indoctrination finding its way into the fine arts. Any basic research will unearth that the AFT and other teacher unions donate 90%+ to democrats. Fine if you are a democrat or leftist..not so great if you are not. What an odd direction to take this thread. Of course teacher’s unions donate 90% to democrats; republican platforms generally haven’t been proactive about the health of our public schools since Poppy Bush, and are often trying to enact policy that tears down the strength of our public schools (voucher programs, charter schools, the pipe dream of dismantling the Department of Education just to name a few). It just makes sense that teachers & teacher’s unions often vote in accordance with preserving the strength of this career they’ve dedicated their lives too. That doesn’t translate to indoctrination. It simply translates to how someone or a group of someones vote in their private life in order to preserve opportunities for themselves and their students. By the way, as far as politics not belonging in band, the ship has sailed on that one. Politics and current events always bleed into the arts. The arts are many things; one of which can absolutely be a mirror for current events. But in terms of band, we already have Dresden 1945, Music for Prague 1968, A Movement for Rosa, Slava!, etc as undeniable staples of band literature. I am speaking not of band literature, but show concepts and the slant that they CAN take. What is taught, how it is taught, what students learn and what they do not learn, are heavily influenced by unions, who like you said, go for democrats. Anyway, I don't think public schools in general are a right nor good for society and that the Dept of Ed needs to be obliterated. If a community wants public schools, that's fine if that's what they want to fund, but they should not have to adhere to federal directives in exchange for dollars. Just as taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for an agenda (with their taxpayer dollars) that is being pushed in a given school via their curriculum, etc. School choice is extremely important but is decried as some kind of abandonment of the kids. What I don't want to see is an adult or adults with a specific social agenda try to push that agenda within the high school arena via marching band. I see it happening in many other areas of education and think it's better to use drum corps for that type of thing rather than taxpayer funded organizations like public schools.
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