Jazz Man
Subjecting people to the music of your choice (when they themselves have no choice but to listen) is not something I subscribe to. However, I do appreciate the situation when it arises, since it:
A. makes you appreciate the music you do enjoy; perhaps even the reasons why?
B. makes you listen to music outside of your "comfort" zone and forces you to analyze it; ultimately forcing a decision as to its merit.
One thing I do enjoy about the twin cities is the amount of interesting people I am exposed to. You know, the ones you can only find in the big city. I am lucky enough to often ride home on what I have dubbed, the "Bebop Bus." The cool cat behind the wheel is straight out of the Beat generation, with lingo, goatee, and shades in tow. Strapped down next to him, amidst a bed of foam and bungee cords, is his CD player. Upon entering said bus, the rider is engulfed by his daily selection of Jazz.
I personally adore Jazz music, and every time I stumble upon the sound of it I often ask myself, "Why don't I listen to this more often?" I will assume that not all of the other passengers feel the same way. I attribute this music appreciation to my past experience in Jazz band and Vocal Jazz. This led me to answer that question: I believe I don't listen to Jazz more often because it is more fun to play it than listen to it. I also believe this is the reason for its lack of popularity. Noodling over different progressions and finding that groove is an absolute blast. Listening to it is highly enjoyable, trying to guess where the soloist is headed is fun, but it ultimately saddens me being a passive listener. Not only this, but I believe one truly appreciates this music only when they have attempted to learn how to play it and realize how difficult it can be. You may think me to be elitist; so be it. I have instant respect for anyone who can play Jazz and improvise.
I bring all of this up, of course, to compare it to a cappella music. I feel a cappella has this same inherent flaw. It is not necessarily in the same boat as Jazz; I would say swimming in the same waters. A cappella can have a bit more grip on the casual listener by relying on covers of songs that were already popular to begin with. It is also more easily accessible to become involved with; the learning curve is much better and less music theory is needed. Still, I believe it is similar in that it is a type of music you only truly appreciate when you have experienced it yourself. Look at who buys and/or listens to a cappella music. It is the same as Jazz: people who are performing the music themselves or have done so in the past.
Solution? Simple: Make band or choir mandatory throughout school. This would solve many more problems than just this one. :)
Dono