Reality rant

[adagiotrumpet]

I consider myself rather progressive. However, we are now seeing the results of helicopter parenting and rewarding behavior and performance whether or not it is good, bad, or indifferent. If anyone has any doubt about the ramifications of this, just visit an Apple Store like I did this past Sunday and experience the behavior of the millenials "working" there. They all seem to be engrossed with their iPhones and iPads, oblivious the customers looking for help. When brought to the attention of the manager, also a millenial, the response was basically, "Yeah, I know."

The point is, this kind of political correctness has produced a generation of self-centered, entitled young people. Life unfortunately has its disappointments, and whether it's sports, musical performance, or any other activity, rewarding mediocre, unprepared performances doesn't do anyone any favors.

[kehaulani]

I've got two "kids" who are the product of the German educational system. Secondary schools are divided into three type schools.

The first, with minimum years, for those kids aimed at entry-level basic jobs.
The second, a year longer and geared towards those intending to go into the trades.
A third, an extra two years, for those heading for university and the professions.

Not as much loss of self-esteem because of the separate groups.

Here's my point. My daughter went directly to the university bound group. No doubt. But my son, because of his lack of self-esteem, worked his way through all the groups. He could've ended his education at any level with a minimum of loss of esteem. (As it turned out, he wound up in university anyway.)

But if he had gone to the university-bound class and had to drop out, it would have been a big loss of his confidence. They don't kiss anybody's butt and yet keep their esteem because of being classed with their own peers.
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[CJceltics33]

In my district most performers are awarded IIs, and the other few get Is. Ive only ever heard of one III. Ones are definitely not just given out, which is refreshing, but a 1 is realistic for students with good ability and understanding. Doesn't have to be perfect.

[cgaiii]

[JGulyas]

[Brad361]

[Legitbrass]

I have to tip my hat to the judge I appeared before as a freshman in HS. Our school had a brass quintet made up of accomplished seniors - and me. We were good and our reputation preceded us, having played many public venues prior to the state instrumental contest. It was customary to perform before the rest of the band in a "dress rehearsal" of-sorts. In our obligatory performance in front of our band, the trombone player was the first to play in the second movement of a canon we were doing. Sharp, light, accurate, legit stuff. After a pregnant pause, he started the movement with this long, sultry, upward glissando to the first note. We finished the piece, but fought the "fart-in-church" suppressed laughter. The band cracked up, of course.

Performance day down state, the room was packed as the other competitors knew we were good. Sure enough, this clown repeated the same stunt. We got the (horrifying) giggles, but still nailed the essential stuff.

The judge didn't say a word. We exited and waited for the score sheet. It was preprinted with Div I, II and III. He had circled III, then crossed it out and handwritten Div IV and had circled that. His only comment was, "Never make a mockery of this music in front of me again."

We probably made that call pretty easy for him. But, the memory separates itself from the dozens of other contests or auditions over the years.

[epoustoufle]

[Brad361]

[Bachatit]

Just a short story:

I was a 9th grader in 1974 and worked my tail off for the local solo and ensemble contest. I had a bad performance and I knew it: I received a division III rating. The sting was terrible.

One year later at that same contest I received a division I rating and was told by the adjudicator that I was the best trumpet player of the day (I performed last). Now that really meant something.

I'm not sure what the best take home message is but perhaps it is this: you'll not experience the reward of overcoming a challenge if you don't face a challenge. Thank you Mr. Adjudicator for giving me a well deserved division III rating, you made me a better person and trumpet player.

[epoustoufle]

[Brad361]

[Brassnose]

I think what we all say is: you want something, work for it. But we also all say: it is hard to teach the „work“ part because accomplishing something meaningful on trumpet can take years. So I do not advocate giving out pointless awards, but I would think there also needs to be encouragement. Especially if a kid fails he or she may need help getting back on track (adults need encouragement sometimes, too).
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[lipshurt]

I’ve been a high school director for about 27 years, and nothing has changed over that time. We tell them what they need to get better, don’t sugar coat it, and get right to it. Sometimes harsh if that is what they need, although harsh only works for a VERY limited time.. Never see a bad attitude, and never get any pushback. Same with all the schools and directors that I know, which is a lot.

Kids have not changed either. They were not better back in the day. They’ve been great consistently and if anything the recent ones are more together
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[Brassnose]

Ok, getting philosophical here: I am a faculty member at a medium sized university (chemistry, not music) and I recently talked to a colleague from a highly reputed US school about the approach students take on their studies.

My impression is, and was confirmed by my colleague, that students in North America seem to realize that a good education is the ticket to something that can be very rewarding.

Over here, not quite so. Rather, at least where I work, a good education is viewed as a ticket to return to the home town and buy a house. So - I do not sugar coat things and have been told to be too blunt but maybe there are just different approaches or different perceptions to “success”.
_________________
2019 Martin Schmidt eXcellence
1992 Bach 43GH/43
1989 Kühnl & Hoyer Model 15 flugel
1980/2023 Custom Blessing Scholastic C 😎
1977 Conn 6B
1951 Buescher 400 Lightweight
AR Resonance, Frate, Klier