I thought you'd like to see an example of the guff I get from nincompoops who are angered because children sing. Also I included my retort which, I know, is very rude. The musician who wrote this to me is a 43yo cello player.
Dean
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: An MP3.com Fan has sent you an email! Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2002 14:46:06 -0700 From: triodeia@e... To: "Katelyn Tarle" <katelyn@n...>
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The artist on the url is a 13-year-old. Is there no end to the exploitation of children in Petersborough, NH?
David Runnion -------- End Original Message --------
MY RETORT
Mr Runnion,
Pity the poor boy in Israel who wanted to play a musical instrument when he was three years old. His parents found him a teacher who taught him all he knew. Is there no end to the exploitation of children in Israel? When he was 13 he made a famous appearance on the Ed Sullivan show playing the Flight of the Bumble Bee. How terrible to do this to a young child. Even if the child is Itzhak Perlman.
I don't know who you are or what point you are trying to make. But as you grow older and wiser I hope you learn that a set of vocal folds is a musical instrument just as a cello is a musical instrument. The vibration of the bow across the strings, if drawn correctly, allows the formation of music regardless of the age of the artist. Likewise, air passed through the vocal folds, if done correctly, allow the formation of music regardless of the age of the singer.
I am sure there were many who complained against the teacher who taught Itzhak; at least as many who complain against me and teachers like me who dare to help mold the voices of children correctly, rather than let them harm themselves by singing incorrectly. If that be exploitation, then God bless us all.
I do not want to hear from you or the likes of you again.
Dean FH Macy, DLit/Mus Mentor of exceptional children who sing
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