Cutting Strings

To follow from the title of the last topic, what on earth do Fife council think they're doing with the music cuts?
Do you think they even understand the importance of music in our lives, and their own? I'm sure the sit at home, or in the car, listening to modern, and perhaps classical music if you're one of those people.
Nice try getting anything new there, chaps.
Take it from me, someone who runs about in too many music groups for her own good, it's worth it.
The socialising: despite the rare few who you just can't get on with, it's like a huge family. The sections of the band/orchestra especially. Over the years, I've come to see the other percussionists as brothers and sisters. Apart from one, who's my cousin.
But still, you spend so much time with them- and at the residential courses (yes people, Band Camp) you have to live with them for a week.
What these councilmen don't realise it what they're destroying.
They're eliminating a culture, a self dependant one that brings so much to the community and the world around it.
It's a discipline, playing an instrument. You must practice, or you're screwed. You gain respect for other players, well- most of us do, there are always the ones who just want to ruffle you feathers and are sure that you're inferior- but that's something you deal with. You learn to take the high road, and get thick skinned along the way.
I've come along way since these groups and playing and instrument. I may not be one of those seniors that organises the dances, or is head of the school council, but I do firmly believe that I'm doing something good for the school. Our school concerts raise a considerable amount of money for so many different charities, through the Rotary Club. And without us, I find it hard to believe we can still raise enough to make any difference around here.
What's more, it's not just us that will suffer. All these teachers and instructors have worked so hard, and pumped so much money into both music college and teacher training, to be thrown out into the skips by politicians who didn't have the guts to come to our concerts this year.
Shows you something, huh?
It's going to happen. Instrucors will be fired, and pupils will be broken hearted. All we can do now- is damage control.

Out of Tune

Okay, what is with this country's music taste?!
We seem to be constantly settling with pop/rock rubbish that doesn't hold water when it comes to cultural diversity. Sure, you'll no doubt rip me to pieces, but check this out-
www.k92fm.com
That is what I grew up with, along with post punk British bands like Pink Floyd.
Music like that is the kind of melodies and lyrics that you live with forever. The acknowledgement of social rifts and real problems. Real stories, set to music.
Look at Roger Waters- Amused to Death. One song talks about the President (the monkey, if you go and listen to it) of the United states, and how he himself regrets what he's done over the years. Though, I admit, that could apply to anyone who's ever been in office.
Another explores how television and media is taking over our lives, and soon enough we'll al be ghosts- no imagination or emotion, grouped 'round our TV sets.
So yeah, I'm odd when it comes to my music. I can sit and listen to Jazz and feel normal, but what some people don't realise is if you go outside the mainstream, you can find some real crackers.
I'm not against common chart music, some of my favourites are there, but others are buried so deep under cover singles and 9-year old looking teenage boys, *cough* Justin Bieber *cough* that they have no chance.

If you want to listen to any of the songs, don't bother me. Bother YouTube.