187 replies to this topic

[FolsomRider]

Hey, another "get rich quick" scheme. Next she'll be sueing Folsom for not having a private parking spot for her kids' BMWs at the school.

Give me a break and get a clue lady. If the little that the school asks from you isn't worth the benefit, then you have every right to walk away. I'd say for every kid in the band, there are probably a dozen wishing they could be! And from what I'm hearing, they'd probably benefit a whole lot more.

And stop touting the constitution as it was written over 200 years ago by grey haired men fighting tirany with muskets. While it still applies, it does have to interpreted a little.

Another million dollars of the school budget going to waste. I thought the Anti-frivilous Torte Law was supposed to qwell stuff like this. There doesn't seem to be any actual harm done to anyone.

[Flowerlady1]

Flowerlady1,

just a tip...paragraphs and spacing really are cool things. Consider them next time you post. 

Could you maybe find something better to do than pick on my spacings and paragraphs. There really are paragraphs there, I just wanted to save space. Next time I'll remember there's a typing critic watching my every move.

PUH-LEASE! Stick to the subject. And Lighten up a bit. There are better things in life than correcting someone's typing.

Hopefully you read the info, not just critiqued the typing style.

[Chad Vander Veen]

Could you maybe find something better to do than pick on my spacings and paragraphs.  There really are paragraphs there, I just wanted to save space.  Next time I'll remember there's a typing critic watching my every move.

PUH-LEASE!  Stick to the subject.  And Lighten up a bit. There are better things in life than correcting someone's typing.

Hopefully you read the info, not just critiqued the typing style.

Actually, the point is that the number of people that read your post is reduced when it looks like a giant block of text. So if you have a valid point to make, which it seems you do, you have a better chance of reaching people if you post in a readable format. Otherwise, people just scroll past your many words.

Your welcome.

[ducky]

Actually, cvanderveen, it's "You're welcome," as in "You are welcome."

Sorry. Couldn't resist. Please don't look too closely at my other posts. I know I'm not perfect either.

[Chad Vander Veen]

Actually, cvanderveen, it's "You're welcome," as in "You are welcome."

Sorry.  Couldn't resist.  Please don't look too closely at my other posts.  I know I'm not perfect either.

Damn it! You're right. I've misspelled it.

[mylo]

Damn it! You're right. I've misspelled it.

I always thought damnit was one word, but never understood why

[Young Curmudgeon]

Instead of quoting all responses, I'll respond in paraphrases, since people seem to be ignoring my own words:

On Folsom High: If you see the great experience and education for you and your children, congratulations. I would not put a damper on that and I'm not even attempting to do that. However, I would hope people would be enthusiastic about the program because their children's love of music has been fostered, not because they won awards. What are *your* priorities?

On awards: I've won awards, can't remember where I put them or what I did to receive them. I've particpated in dozens of contests. One of them was the National PAS rudiment contest. I can barely remember and it was less than 20 years ago. The only award I can vividly remember receiving was for "best flam accent rolls" and "best diddles" from my drum instructor. It consisted of two cheezy print outs and was given to the best among about 10 drummers on my line. Yahoo! How's that for being proud of one's own achievements? What I remember most about my music education was the excitement and wonder of being exposed to the most challenging aspects of my pursuit, like the first time I heard Steve Gadd on Chick Corea's "The Leprechaun" when I was 15. Now *that* I will never forget.

On the award-seeking mentality: Reconsider my comments and think about your children. Awards are given to those who seek them. While it may establish a line of credibility, it is never the earth-moving experience one imagines. It does not change lives and, ultimately, one realizes it does not even make one "the best" at anything. In some cases, it gives the false sense of achievement. What it does successfully accomplish is create a competitive atmosphere for an art that is entirely subjective. I'm not accusing Folsom High School of this mentality. In very general terms, I'm saying I *hope* this is not the case at Folsom High School, and if not, then they deserve praise.

[puppylover]

[quote=PJ James,May 5 2005, 08:43 AM]
. If you live in Folsom, buy a CD from one of the Jazz Bands...we do more then three songs a year...


Where can we buy these CD's to help support the bands? It has been several years since I bought a FHS CD and I listened to the last one quite a bit.

[Chad Vander Veen]

I always thought damnit was one word, but never understood why

No, actually its an entire sentence. I am saying that I want "it" to be damned.

[benning]

Apparently we have not yet mocked this cruel woman out of her lawsuit. Pick up the pace, people!

You're right! Let's stop debating the merits of music programs and booster politics and layer well-deserved blame on a woman who seems to be choosing to squeeze money from the school district (which means screwing all of us taxpayers--and don't forget the kids!) instead of taking a more civilized approach to problem solving. For Shame! (how was that?)

[FolsomJunior00]

I just want to see the PROOF that the director has embezzled funds from the program and the boosters.....please, show me the proof.

Funny thing I heard today at school about the issue: Apparently, this same woman got the IRS to audit the director in question, too see if he was indeed embezzeling funds. Whoops, they found nothing wrong!!!

What now? Lets sue the district!

I loved the point made on the first page. The woman is taking action against a victim of the budget cuts, not against the budget cuts themselves, like she should be doing. The program is forced to ask parents and students to pay so they can have a quality program.

Apparently there are ways where a student in the program does NOT have to pay. If the mommies and daddies just sent a letter to the school saying they cant afford to give money to the program, then their fee is waived.

So, I ask again, what is the problem?

PS: This case is going in the same, general direction as the FHS rape case did, here on the boards. Lets stay on topic, and not stray off. The topic is the lawsuit, not about how good the band is.

[folsommusicmama]

The majority of posts correctly indicate that the class action suit is a travesty. This music program is much more than excellent music education. My child is learning incredible lessons that will last throughout life. I could go on forever extolling the fabulous program but will refrain since so many others have discussed it so well.

I have been an active parent in the music program for two years. I attend every booster meeting since my child started at the high school. I volunteer my time, and lots of it, even though I work full time. I have never seen this parent raise the issues she apparently is so upset about. I have never seen her go to a meeting, assist at a competition or anything.

The bottom line is that the means by which this lady is pursuing this issue is placing at risk the music program (and, when taken to it's logical conclusion if she is successful every other extra curricular activity in the public schools in this state).

It doesn't matter how good or bad the program is, the bottom line is the kids. Let me make this clear, I have personally been active (although not on the board) and when the boosters need something, help or committees are formed, the lady in question has never (in the time I have been involved) been there to assist. She doesn't appear to make any effort to help the program. She doesn't even try to help in the fundraisers that would reduce the fees that she so vehemently objects to.

Being as active as I am (and paying my dues as I do), I am frankly offended that someone (who is rumored to not have paid for the last several years - although apparently did pay in prior years for her older kids) is absolutely not volunteering her time, and is stirring up this mess. Perhaps her arguments would be given more credence if we saw her making an effort to help the program. Many people volunteer many hours a week (while working full time). But, the lady in question wouldn't be recognized by many who give countless hours to the program (and consequently to her child who is in the program now). We don't treat her child any differently and her child gets all the opportunity that every other child in the program has.

If she is so adamant that the issues she raises are about the kids (not some other underlying issue), put your money where your mouth is and actually help the program. Show up once in a while and participate - get on a committee or do some volunteering. Better yet – run for a position on the board. Perhaps she can help fix whatever problems may or may not exist.

[uberman]

This lawsuit (and thread,) is bound to get a bunch of people registering with the forum!

I agree with C_vanderveen, the community needs to let this woman know that she has our downright disapproval in this case.

[PJ James]

Instead of quoting all responses, I'll respond in paraphrases, since people seem to be ignoring my own words:

On Folsom High: If you see the great experience and education for you and your children, congratulations. I would not put a damper on that and I'm not even attempting to do that. However, I would hope people would be enthusiastic about the program because their children's love of music has been fostered, not because they won awards. What are *your* priorities?

On awards: I've won awards, can't remember where I put them or what I did to receive them. I've particpated in dozens of contests. One of them was the National PAS rudiment contest. I can barely remember and it was less than 20 years ago. The only award I can vividly remember receiving was for "best flam accent rolls" and "best diddles" from my drum instructor. It consisted of two cheezy print outs and was given to the best among about 10 drummers on my line. Yahoo! How's that for being proud of one's own achievements? What I remember most about my music education was the excitement and wonder of being exposed to the most challenging aspects of my pursuit, like the first time I heard Steve Gadd on Chick Corea's "The Leprechaun" when I was 15. Now *that* I will never forget.

On the award-seeking mentality: Reconsider my comments and think about your children. Awards are given to those who seek them. While it may establish a line of credibility, it is never the earth-moving experience one imagines. It does not change lives and, ultimately, one realizes it does not even make one "the best" at anything. In some cases, it gives the false sense of achievement. What it does successfully accomplish is create a competitive atmosphere for an art that is entirely subjective. I'm not accusing Folsom High School of this mentality. In very general terms, I'm saying I *hope* this is not the case at Folsom High School, and if not, then they deserve praise.

You're rediculous man! You dont remember where you put all your awards? How can you be even proud of your musicianship then? Because that says something about who you are as a drummer/musician.

One more thing to add....I played with Steve Gadd, Christian McBride and Chick Corea at the North Texas State Jazz Festival this year. I wouldn't have been given that gift, experience, and privledge if it werent for the funding that the boosters and parents do as well as the prestige of our program.

- PJ

[BuffaloRon]

This thread is getting a little redundant, time for a new one. It's become a slugfest of emotions and everyone has given their opinion of the subject. Let's move on...