This is not a political post - just a thought piece on why America does not support something so uniquely American.
American exceptionalism is a populist idea based on the belief that America (and Americans) are inherently different (and better) than other nations and people. As we approach the mid-term elections, you will hear this phrase often!
The term's genesis dates back to the revolutionary war, in which a "new and different" nation emerged that was different from what the world had previously seen. However, recent events (and people) have brought about a resurgence of the phrase and the populist agenda accompanying it. Nothing exemplifies this value system more succinctly than the phrase "America First."
Listen, I'm as patriotic as the next person. I listen to country music, love me some apple pie, and even root for the Cowboys (not)! I love my country and the people who serve it.
But, I'm calling bunk on the term, and question
if we REALLY put America first.
After all, if we are so star-spangled proud of our red, white, and blue awesomeness, shouldn't we make a bigger deal about band? Shouldn't we show more pride of ownership and support it at a commensurate level? In fact, in-school music programs are relatively unique to America as well. Where is the Music First agenda?
America First should = School Music First!
In the late 1800s, Lowell Mason helped to establish public school music programs across America. These programs emphasized singing as well as the teaching of fundamentals in music.
The evolution from music to band would have to wait nearly 100 years until the 1920's, when musicians trained in the service returned home from World War I. Aided by the nation's love of another uniquely American art form, Jazz, school music programs began a slow and steady ascent into our nation's cultural identity. Music groups taught by returning war veterans? Yankee Doodle YES!
Can it get more patriotic than that? Nowadays, it is hard to attend any public or political event where some variation of live music isn't present.
Yes, there are public school programs in many other countries, but to be clear, they copied it from us! They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery; all music educators should be flattered.
We can't take credit for the symphony orchestra or chamber music. Choirs and symphonies existed long before Betsy Ross and the Declaration of Independence. But, school music is something uniquely ours. America First should = School Music First.
So why don't we take more pride in it? Why do programs need to fundraise to buy instruments? Why are parents forced to buy music and help pay staff costs when no other curricula require that of their parents? Why are we needed to perform at football games but not given the operating budget to do it well? Why are kids playing on broken instruments and rehearsing in dilapidated rooms? Why do we set graduation requirements and build master schedules that make band all but impossible to participate in without summer school?
In short, why do we say America First and put school music last? Are we all talk and no walk? Is it all just hot air? Are we really America First, or do we just like the slogan?
As I write this blog, I am sitting in Terminal 4 at Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport. I am traveling across the pond for a family trip delayed two years by the global pandemic. The whole experience has me pondering the political, economic, and artistic differences between the countries and continents. Every country is unique and believes in its exceptionalism. And in most cases, rightly so.
I just want to ensure that we put our money and resources where our mouths are. America First SHOULD means school music first, and that's a platform I get behind.
Should we make some hats and tee shirts?
Have a great week!
- Scott
p.s. I am going to try and have a newsletter next week, but travel may make it tough.