[TPIN] "Leon's reply"

[James Klages]

>
> I used to say that on every block in every town in the USA there is a
> housewife who is a concert pianist, or had, at one time that much ability,
> *but is now just a housewife.....*


Them's fightin' words partner. There is not a more important or rewarding
thing that a person can do is to be husband/wife & father/mother. This has
nothing to do with whether they are or  are not a trumpet virtuoso or some
other type of gifted musician.

I teach several students who are mothers with children. Several of my recent
graduates at UCO have also started families. We should do and say everything
that can be done to encourage and help them, rather than to by implication
demean their choice. One graduate student took several years away from study
and is returning to earn her asters. One is recently married and expecting
her first child. Any statement that they are diverting away from important
things like music is wrong headed and actually disrepectful. (I am sure not
by intention. This phrase grew common with the "feminist" movement and is
often uttered thoughtlessly.)  I would be careful saying the phrase "just a
housewife" around my wife- she wife studied karate" and is in great shape.
:)

Our family has supported and participated in music, theatre, dance, and
other arts for our entire time together. I have prided myself on trying to
be a good father for my daughter- nothing that by comparison almost
everything I did was unimportant. This did not say I have not done things
musically worthy of "note."  :)

Jim


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-- 
Dr. James L. Klages
Professor of Trumpet
School of Music
University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK 73034