Dear Dr.McNair,
I totally agree with you. Indeed, where is the teaching of what were once
commonly held manners is not nearly as commonplace anymore as it once was?
I was born in the time that I was taught by my parents and my school to do
things at the right place and the right time and also "not wrong" is not
enough; it must be appropriate and beutiful.
When talking about class, the behavior and manner tells the class of the
person, not the money. A poor person can be high class. For example: A
person who wears $100 shorts to a concert of classical music does not do
anything wrong (does not come in nude), but it is inappropriate and is not
beautiful; it is out of place and out of the time. $100 shorts can show
that the person is rich, but a girl with $20 long dress is in a higher
class.
I believe all students in UTC want to be good, want to do things right and
can learn . As teachers, besides helping them learn how to think and how
to apply their knowledge, we need to tell them and to show them the right
things to do to be accepted in different communities in the world later in
their lives.
In the other communities, they know where he/she comes from by his/her
language he/she talks. They can tell how well educated person he/she is
from his/her ability in working and they can tell his/her class by the
manners and behaviors. His/her behaviors and manners will blend that
person into a peaceful community or a chaos community.
I heard that a student has to have an exit exam before they can leave UTC.
Could we also give them an hour or two of instruction in manners, including
how to act at commencement? This instruction will remind the students who
forget, or will recall for some students who did not pay attention to this
toppic before. Hoping that instruction will be a part of helping our
graduates in approaching a new community.
Chantana Lane
>Actually, the teaching of what were once commonly held manners is not
>nearly as commonplace anymore as it once was. For instance, there is a
>fairly common-sense etiquette about attending concerts and recitals of
>classical music and other non-amplified music: if, during the music, the
>audience members are carrying on conversations, or their cell-phones are
>ringing, they cannot possibly be LISTENING, and other audience members will
>be disturbed. Listening is the POINT of attending such concerts now, (even
>if there were occasions in the 18th and 19th centuries when even classical
>music events could become rowdy). Yet, at most of the concerts I attend
>each year--sometimes over 30 events in an academic year--there are people
>who do not observe these common-sense manners. Perhaps it is a new
>experience for them; perhaps they have attended pop concerts at which the
>music is so loud that they could shout during songs and it would not
>matter. Music Appreciation texts and teachers usually offer some guidance
>about this, but clearly it does not always sink in.
>
>It is true that in differing cultural situations, appropriate responses
>vary widely. In many jazz events, hoots and applause after a solo, while
>the music is still going, is the norm. In some churches, the congregation
>feels comfortable shouting out in agreement, offering encouragement to the
>speaker of the day.
>
>Appropriate (?) behavior is sometimes determined by the nature of the event
>and the tradition of the event.
>
>What is the tradition of commencement at UTC, and how might that tradition
>be honored, while still welcoming expressions of joy and
>pride? Commencement is NOT the same as a competitive sporting event.
>
>
>
>Jonathan B. McNair, DMA
>UC Foundation Assistant Prof. of Music Theory and Composition
>Director, Music Technology Center
>Cadek Dept. of Music
>The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Chantana Israngkul Lane
UTC Physics Department, 318 Grote Hall, Office telephone: 423-425-5247
823 Oak Street, Chattanooga, TN. 37403-2409, Home telephone: 423-265-7804
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