Adult Participation in Community Bands

Adult Participation in Community Bands; The number of community bands in the United States is rising, and; adults in community bands cite two main reasons for their; participation:; 1) social environment; 2) pursuit of happiness and excellence; The overwhelming majority of participants in community bands; performed in school bands, and statistically, very few have taken; private lessons on their instrument (generally less than 10% in; most community bands.); The trend toward community bands makes us believe that school; music directors are doing something right. The sense of; community, aesthetics, and perseverance instilled in school band; members remains throughout life. Adults who play in community; bands come from different occupations and backgrounds.; However, they are all taxpayers, they can vote, and through their; actions they are advocates for music education.; Here are some quotes from members of a Japanese community; band about the reasons they are musicians:; "I feel it gives me a rich life." (Nurse); "It helps to keep good communication between my husband and; myself. I feel good when we get applause from the audience when; we are on stage." (Housewife); "The music I play helps me to express myself. Music is part; of my life." (Office worker); "I like to continue to pursue the joy of learning." (Government; official); "This is the only thing I can do." (Operator); "I get frustrated if I just listen to music." (Junior high school; teacher); "I can't forget the emotion [happy moments] when we perform the; concert." (University student); "I can forget about myself." (Salesman); "I never forget the impression of beautiful harmony." (Graphic; designer); "I can see the communication among the city people."; (Businessman); "Since I started to play music when I was little, if I continue, I; feel I can keep my childhood feeling and memory." (Electrical; engineer); "Music is the oasis of my heart. Through music I can express; myself." (Doctor); "Being a musician is, I think, the order from God. As long as; music exists in the universe, I will continue." (Computer hardware; engineer); "For my life." (Bookstore clerk); Encourage your students to keep playing and singing after they; leave school. It will lead to more music supporters in your; community and an enriched life for your former students.; Source: "Participation in Community and Company Bands in; Japan" by Deborah A. Sheldon. Published in "Update:; Applications of Research in Music Education." Vol.17 No.1,
Fall-Winter 1998.