From: "John Harner" <trpt1harner@interaxs.net>
Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2004 00:41:35 -0500
Subject: [TPIN] Foot Tapping

OK, I have to comment about this since my teacher Carmine Caruso was such a staunch advocate of foot tapping...

To emphasize how important it is try this with one of your students:

Have them play a scale or excerpt without tapping. and then with tapping.
9 out of 10 times they will sound better with their foot tapping.

I work with middle school band students everyday, and I see it work with them. It gives them more confidence and even makes the sound better.

When the muscles of your body know when they are going to move, they do it better-"Carmine-ism"

Remember, we have almost 300 muscles that need to know when to move (syncronize) to play ONE note.
They need the foot to help.

You prim and proper folks may disagree, but come down to my middle school bands and see and hear the difference with their feet tapping...
"What's better, to look cool, or to play great?"

Thanks and
God Bless

John Harner

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