[TPIN] "Leon's reply"

[William Graham]

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: James Klages 
  To: William Graham 
  Cc: Trent Austin ; tpin at tpin.okcu.edu 
  Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2007 1:42 PM
  Subject: Re: [TPIN] "Leon's reply"


    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


  Yeah....I don't demean housewives, but the ratio of housewives to concert pianists must be of the order of a million to one............The fact is, not very many people make it in the performing arts.....Teaching is a different matter, and even performing trumpet players usually pick up some extra income teaching. But I doubt if you are ever going to see Brittany Spears teaching voice to anyone....:^) I think even she knows better than that.......