Re: Don't cry over spilt milk. Mop it up! WAS Stigma of the Harmonica

[the Leones <leone@xxxxxxxx>]

   The "G-Man" says the following; and all I can add IS: "Greg-You Da Man"

><Hey there,
>I'm not so sure that this "stigma" isn't propagated in part by insecure
>harmonica players who wail about the lack of respect for the instrument.
>:-)~
>
>Most harmonica models are small instruments.  She's right!
>It is relatively young compared to most other instruments.
>One could say its comparable in age to the saxophone. History has been kind to
>the saxophone lately.
>
>The harmonica had a good run in Western countries during the earlyish to mid
>1900s when money was tight and so were entertainment funds.
>We are currently in an era which doesn't favour the instrument and 
>its turn may
>come again. Perhaps not in our lifetime.
>
>There are plenty of harmonica players out there who are doing their 
>best to give
>the instrument a good name, unfortunately there is a far larger 
>number of people
>out there who are giving other musicians & audiences just cause for their
>attitude towards harmonica players.  Sometimes its just too easy to pick that
>instrument up.
>
>The same could be said about guitarists, however, it would seem the 
>proportions
>in numbers are quite different. Also there are many more excellent guitar role
>models than excellent harmonica role models to date and I think this 
>is part of
>what affects perceptions too.
>
>I believe there are two or three things that we can do now that will help the
>harmonica's global reputation in the long term:
>* Lead by example.
>Learn to play well, practise aplenty, don't be another drunken wannabe who
>storms in on some else's gig and blows up a ... wet fart.
>Learn to be a good musician as well as a good harmonica player, learn onstage
>etiquite and find out what it is to behave as a horn player.
>If you can talk to other musicians on their own level you will gain a little
>more respect.
>The more role models we generate as a community in different genres, the more
>likely we'll spark interest in coming generations and spur them to take the
>instrument up with a passion.  The biggest advantage of the harmonica is how
>much unexplored territory there is.
>
>* Make education readily available.
>I think this is a huge key.  Compared to other instruments the available
>education as applied to harmonica is lacking considerably, at least 
>in terms of
>published English material.  Admittedly there is a derth of 
>"beginner" material,
>but beyond a certain point the river runs dry.
>I believe the more freely available education is made and offered to others in
>easy to digest means for the public. The more accessable the 
>eductation is made,
>the more potential there is for anyone to pick it up and learn 
>without having to
>struggle so much.
>
>* Increase the mass market and the manufacturers will follow.
>This is a long term point. And I think incredibly hard to affect directly.
>I believe one way to increase the mass market is by increasing education and
>more people leading by example. If we want professional instruments made at a
>professional level (for a professional price mind you) rather than 
>the toys for
>beginners that make up the current market, then we need to give the
>manufacturers a big enough market to make it economically viable.
>
>I think the best way to help encourage these things is to focus on 
>them.  Simple
>enough.
>
>To encourage harmonicists along the paths they have chosen, to tolerate & be
>compassionate with those who are learning, and to ignore anything 
>that detracts
>from this.
>
>For instance the very act of bemoaning the poor state of our harmonica's
>reputation will only reinforce it.  Instead rise above it and talk 
>about how we
>are each playing a part in furthering the instrument and building on 
>what people
>have already done will encourage and inspire others to do the same. 
>Talk about
>what you're doing, or better still: don't talk, Do!
>
>I think I'm doing my bit in leading by example.
>There are many others among us who are doing the same.
>
>Pat Missin & myself run an email group of about 300 people who's 
>goals are very
>much in line with what I've just written here, in addition to musicianship and
>the technical aspects of the instrument itself.
>Anyone who has an interest in discussing these things and becoming a 
>part of the
>solution are most welcome to join.
>You can read about the group focus, goals, guidelines and how to join here:
>http://www.harpon.org
>
>Warm regards
>G.
>
>
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