Why Music Matters - Brian Balmages 

CAW funny the best is jungle dance

FWIF, my Catholic grade school cut our art classes in seventh grade-- the problem is not with the government, but with the general perception of what we should value in education.

I agree

Marshall Allan I'm with you. Given I didn't start band until 8th Grade I am also really sad about how systems like Greenville County, Spartanburg Districts, and other areas underappreciate music and under fund their programs. Greenville makes the programs in the high schools and middle schools do fundraisers to get their new Besson, John Packer, Miraphone, and Bach instruments and don't even fund for schools to have decent auditoriums that barely fill up when so many places don't care. Spartanburg District 4 is an exception however, since it actually charges us low compared to other places, but we still have worn down equipment from 20 or 30 years ago that doesn't work anymore and it doesn't get fixed. Or hadn't until someone had shown up as the new director and in 2 years got a couple marimbas, four speakers for percussion with a new vib, drum set, synthesizer, 6 euphoniums, 2 tubas, and 5 baritones. And he is working to get even more replacements for what we have and giving us professional grade instruments and equipment we haven't had in stock until he shown up and got the school to buy such things. Music directors have always worked hard to keep bands and orchestras together and I have gotta be grateful as my Emeritus in Woodruff got me into Region for Euph and Tuba in two consecutive years.

Marshall Allan Btw I'm from SC as well that's how I understand

"People don't place the same value on music as they used to, yet they expect it all the same... It makes me sad." Very well said. Too many parents come to band concerts expecting a certain level of performance, but they forget that the kids have to be much more dedicated nowadays.

You are so right

Creighton Kellis same i am 12 and i compose too

And Arabian dances

+Alexis Ayala Arabian dances for the win

Skullerboy88 he came to mine and honestly I had the worst experience

Bean Bean why?

He constantly mocked us about our performance and how we weren't doing it the way he wanted us to do it. He was also constantly putting us down because of it. We didn't really work on his piece too much since we had musicfest nationals so care about, But he probably thought his song was the only song we worked on. He kept telling us how we were a "good" band and not a "great" one. After the rehearsal our music teacher said that he felt like Brian wasn't being very nice to us and that he'll tell Brian that instead of him conducting us, he himself will, which made the whole band relieved. Another thing was while he was conducting nobody knew where he was or what beats he was beating out for us so we all had to solely depend on ourselves for time. When I say that I don't mean we don't count ourselves but like you look and your conductor and like you're sure, and also if you ever lose count your conductor will help you that kind of stuff. If you ever tried reading his conducting you'll probably see him drawing circles in the air or doing random shapes for you with his baton, like honestly what did they teach him in conducting class? That was my experience, other people said they had a fun time talking to him but I don't think they experience his teaching. Don't get me wrong his music is amazing I love his work but personally he needs to work on his conducting and how to help a band move forward if they aren't doing it the way he wants it to then help them improve not just by putting them down about it. He says a lot of inspiring things though. Sorry for the long paragraph.