AIBU to be annoyed my DS will be getting "Beatboxing" music lessons at primary school

[OhLori]

Had a letter from son's school today. Apparently they will be getting "beatboxing" lessons from a specialist "beatboxing" teacher coming into teach his class. DS is 10.

For the uninitiated, beatboxing is that sort of spitting into cupped hands over a microphone thing, found in some rap/hip hop.

I just don't want my son to learn this rubbish at school, it does my head in when he occasionally does it in the house so the last thing I want is for it to be encouraged further by a 'professional' at school.

I am amazed that the school is financing this, but we live in a London inner city area, so I guess its seen as "cool" to waste taxpayers money on this crap.

Would I be unreasonable to have other appointments on that day e.g. doctors, or be sick? I don't think there is much point in giving my opinion to the school. They are not interested in parents' opinions.

This is a genuine AIBU post, I don't know what to do.

[tittytittyhanghang]

YABU, should only music you like get taught in schools?

[Proudnscary]

I love beatboxing and would love it if my dc learned it. It's relevant and fun and involves skill. It's a legitimate part of a legitimate genre of music.

What's the problem? If you hated the violin and that was the instrument he was learning you would feel the same?

[KhallDrogo]

It's as legitimate as any other music. It's very skilled. It's better than the recorder or violin. Why do you think it is rubbish? Because you don't like it?

[ginhag]

Won't someone think of the children??

I mean, they might actually enjoy it and where will that lead

[CloudsAndTrees]

YANBU to wish the school could get someone worthwhile in for music instruction.

YABVU to think about keeping him off school on that day, especially when you know your son would like it and he's old enough to work out what you'd be trying to do.

[Yfronts]

He's probably only going to be doing it for an hour max. Whats the problem?

[OhLori]

I don't consider it music though Proud n' Scary; any other music would be OK even if I didn't like it.

Does that make sense to anyone? I'm OK if it doesn't.

[ginhag]

'I don't know what to do'

Sorry I think that's really funny

[OhLori]

No, its not for an hour. It will be several sessions :-(

[derekthehamster]

My son did this and loved it!

[Pooka]

YABU.

Just because it is not to your taste doesn't mean that you should keep him off sick (!) to avoid it. Presumably he will enjoy it, since he does it at home himself occasionally?

Bit of a killjoy.

[KhallDrogo]

Well it is music, whatever your opinion...

[Sirzy]

YABU. Just because you don't consider it music doesn't mean it isn't. It is great that children are getting to try different things rather than the normal stuff

[DameMargotFountain]

that sounds awesome!

seriously, OP, it's far more than spitting into your cupped hands

do you listen to music, OP?

[ginhag]

And now an actual [sadface] ???

Seriously, he won't catch gangsta or anything.

[derekthehamster]

It helps improve concentration etc.

[Doogle2]

Yabu. I would love this is my sons school. If it inspires him that is surely it is positive thing. I feel sorry that he would miss the lesson when all his friends would be talking about it. You are being very unreasonable to teach him to lie to miss something at school.

[Pooka]

It sounds a bit fogeyish to say that you don't consider it to be music.

I dislike beatbox myself, but I can see that the percussive part of it is related to beats, rhythm and music.

[MissyMooandherBeaverofSteel]

YABU. If it annoys you that he does it around the house then surely its better that he learns how to do it properly. I think its fantastic that the school are giving the kids lessons they will actually enjoy.

[Pooka]

Arf at "catching gangsta"

[WhatchuTalkinBoutPhyllis]

YABU

And a bit of a snob.

No matter whether you don't like rap/hip hop. There's still no denying the masses of talent it takes to do something like this-

I'm sure it will interest the kids more than the ins and outs of a 4 bar rest.

[WhatchuTalkinBoutPhyllis]

catch gangsta

[lulu2]

I think it's a complete waste of time.

[TheDarkestNight]

I hate beatboxing, I truly feel your pain. If I were you, I'd find a reason to be 'busy' that day, but I know I'm being unreasonable. If DS already does it around the house, I take it he enjoys it and will feel he's missed out if he misses it?

[Pooka]

It's a bit like the whole graffiti/art argument.

The difference between tagging (which is just pure vandalism in my eyes) and full graffiti murals. Maybe what he's doing at home, untaught, is a bit like tagging, and the lessons will elevate his output to banksy level.