learning experience

["DTRohr" <dtrohr@mindspring.com>]

From: Allan Hoeltje <ahoeltje@best.com>
Subject: Re: playground samples suggestion

> Or you could make it into a legitimate learning experience for the kids.
Go
> to the school office, get permission to do the samples, and then do a
> hands-on show 'n tell for the class.  Bring in your looper gear and show
> them what it is you do.  Next thing ya know you'll have every kid on the
> block wanting to do it, maybe even some of the girls.  :-)


I really liked Allan's suggestion the more I read it.  This is exactly the
thing that is overlooked in general.  I can say from experience that 
getting
in isn't easy.  My son's music teacher as an example is not exactly 
knocking
down my door trying to get me in there.  If I was a well known opera singer
(not to slight singers) I would be in right away.  Most of the music
teachers I know (and I know a lot) have a great desire to teach their
students in a very classic manner, which is good - we all need some of
that - though there are LOTS of us that do fine without it.  Music should 
be
foundational.  That's not to say there aren't 'freaks' (freak in the true
defentition) out there who can appreciate all sides (like me!).

I believe the music departments all accross the US would benefit from this
kind of input and show administrators and parent's that there is a way.
Imagine if all these great bands that we have today would just spend a few
hours every month at a school, playing a few tunes and talking about how
they make the music.  I'm gonna make a commitment to it right now.  One
High-School a month, with our band.  We'll just keep knocking until we come
in.  If the guy with the birds can show up I should be able to.  Just might
do something for these failing programs and spark some interest.
UN-fortunately (depending how you look at it I spose) we would soon find 
the
traditional music lessons exchanged for the likes of "Looping 101" or
"Building A Better Break-Beat" or "How To Get The Most Out Of Your Lexicon
Equipment".  Why wait til they can attend Berklee, we should start 'em
earlier.  Hmmmmmm, it's got me thinking.

-Daniel