Terrorism and Music

[Tski1128 <Tski1128...>]

       I feel that that this is a time to relate a story of events that 
occurred a few years back. As many of the listmembers know, I recently 
retired as clarinet soloist from the United States Army Field Band. The 
"Field Band" is a 65 member concert band with a 30 voice Chorus. Our mission 
was to travel the USA and the world playing music and instilling "The Spirit 
of America" to anyone that would listen. About 10-12 years ago, India was 
having a "nonaligned" nations conference. The "Field Band" was sent to Deli 
to participate, to play music for a huge business conference. 
       About three weeks before we were to leave I received a call from the 
Baltimore Sun,( the one and only news paper in Baltimore), I was asked "Does 
the Army Field Band ever consider that they would be considered a High 
profile terrorist target?"  My reply was "Terrorism is something the band is 
always concerned with any time we perform outside the United states" The next 
question was "Can you tell me what precautions the Band takes?'" My reply was 
"no that isn't our procedure to discuss these matters with the general 
public." Needless to say, I was called into the pentagon the next day. I was 
in trouble for even talking to the press about anything.  
       The only reason I mention the story now is I think it is important for 
anyone playing is playing Klezmer, Jewish music in highly charged public 
venues, is to consider the possibility that musicians can be highly visible 
targets. I don't think we should change the music we play, I don't think we 
should cancel shows, I don't think we should avoid playing "mixed" music arts 
festivals. 
       Some of us do quite a bit of traveling I think we should leave 
ourselves plenty of time to get through security. One of the things I was 
told consistently in the army was" If something doesn't feel right check it 
out." Know your equipment cases, only let people you personally know pack 
your stuff for you. Any time you're out playing Jewish music, there is a 
chance that some reporter will shove a Mic in your face and ask questions 
that no performer should have to answer. PRACTICE a non confrontation 
response. Make sure the sub in your band knows what to say if asked. As 
musicians, we do many things that will help the healing that needs to go on 
now. As opinionated artists, it's easy to say things that will negate the 
2hrs of music we just performed.    
        I read David's story, I believe what he says, the reaction to what we 
do is going to be more intense than it was last week. In closing I remember 
the show "Hill Street Blues", the old desk sarge would send his squads out, 
always saying "Hey, and lets be careful out there"

Tom Puwalski, Clarinetist with Lox&Vodka, author of The Clarinetists Guide to 
Learning Klezmer, Former Principal Clarinetist, United States Army Field Band