At this time in our history as a country, we have finally come to realize that “the United States is not what it used to be”. I am not saying that it could not, once again, rise to its previous stature in the world, but when one considers our debt, joblessness, loss of homes and businesses, drug problem and lack of respect of our current leaders, one ponders the reasons for this change.
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A friend of mine sent me this video and I thought it was a very telling example of what is happening in countries outside our boarders. Along with the video, he made these comments…..
“Talk about having fun making music!
It’s cute beyond words, but it’s also very good.
I don’t know how the kids, parents and director do this – but I like it a lot!
They even did a grade 3 (or so) tune of mine @ around the 6:30 mark. Watch it all.
This is fun stuff”!
I have been interested in the Eastern culture for most of my life and have studied both the mental (Meditation & Yoga) and physical (Yoga & Karate) approaches to this life style and believe we have a great deal to learn from our neighbors.
Bloggers many times post articles to generate conflict and this in turn draws attention to their pages. It is not my intent to do this because conflict is counterproductive. Understanding why we have fallen in the World market is important and we all need to do our part to become the country we were in past years. If you can better our country, it is your responsibility to do so. If you are a voting citizen and able to cast your vote in the next election, it is your responsibility to do so.
If you would like to see our United States of America once again lead the world, become involved, no matter which political direction you may favor.
I would like to post a video next year or the following of a group of young American children performing at this level and say proudly……
“Those talented kids are from the United States of America”.
Hi Bruce,
Cool video! How old do you think those kids are? I have seen a number of videos of youth bands and orchestras from Japan (I am guessing this is from Japan) and they seem to have very strong music programs producing outstanding ensembles. The US does too, doesn’t it? I envy both countries for their instrumental music in schools which is far ahead of what we have in New Zealand where rock bands dominate. You seem to be making a link between what you perceive to a stronger musical culture in Japan (the east) than the US and implying it could be one reason for the decline in your country? I think that is a little tenuous given Japan has been in a 20 year recession. I am sympathetic to your view of the US, however, the level of debt, 100% if GDP, approximately, does not bode well for the future, but I think most of the western world is facing the same problem.
Derek
How old do you think those kids are?
It’s hard to say.
I am guessing this is from Japan
Yes it is and if you would like to see more of the band , go to…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L5NJ8xyzGE&list=UUWJGJ7dlEchjiyVmDdA7eAQ&index=2&feature=plcp
The title …汐見が丘小学校マジックドルフィンズ うえだバンドフェスティバル リハ translates to ..
“Dolphins but said the magic school band rehearsal Festival Shiomi hill (what ever that means”.
they seem to have very strong music programs producing outstanding ensembles.
I would venture a guess that their whole school system is outstanding.
The University of Northern Iowa started one of the first Suzuki string programs in the country and has produced a large number of wonderful string players. The success of the program was not because of the teachers or the students. The Suzuki system as well as the Kodi (sp.) system promotes the constant interaction of the parent with the child. The success is not a secret of a teaching method but more of a parent going to the students lesson and being there when the student practices. Unfortunately in traditional music programs in this country the parent drops their child off at the teaches door and picks them up at the end of the lesson. This lack of involvement is one the reasons our programs are suffering.
The US does too, doesn’t it?
The US has isolated programs which are very good but my concern is that our culture does not produce the discipline and respect illustrated in many examples such as Japan and China.
I envy both countries for their instrumental music in schools which is far ahead of what we have in New Zealand where rock bands dominate.
One of the great benefits of the Internet is the ability to communicate with like minded individuals from around the world. I have visited with some of the nicest people who share the same concerns as everyone else. I love the Internet!
You seem to be making a link between what you perceive to a stronger musical culture in Japan (the east) than the US and implying it could be one reason for the decline in your country?
I am not only making a link, I will go so far as to say that because of the lack of respect in the United States school systems, it makes it almost impossible for us to compete with Japan and other countries. The respect held for the student’s elders and teachers is one of the reasons we are loosing ground in the word market. The difference is not the music programs; it’s the lack of respect and control in our homes, schools and communities.
I think that is a little tenuous given Japan has been in a 20 year recession.
As you know, the United States is on our way to catch them and as they come out of their recession, we will pass them as we continue to decline in ours.
I am sympathetic to your view of the US, however, the level of debt, 100% if GDP, approximately, does not bode well for the future, but I think most of the western world is facing the same problem.
I totally agree with you on that point, for our situation is new to us but for a country with a successful history, we have fail to understand why many of the other countries got to where they are today.
Your comments were very interesting and I enjoyed reading and responding to each of your issues, but due to the fact that it is now 2 o’clock in the morning, I need to retire. Thanks again for visiting our page and please stop back again.
Bruce Chidester
Branson Trumpet Ensemble.