Mimi, I surely agree with you on the importance of rests.  I am sure to
the school concert goers, a good rest is worth its weight in gold when
listening to the K-6 orchestra!  I am always stressing the importance of
the strick adherence to a full rest rather than have a performer miss the
whole phrase because the rest was not observed!  It is almost as annoying
as having someone continually interrupting when you are speaking.  A nice
bar of silence can be very dramatic to the piece.  It also emphasizes the
instrument that breaks the silence.  I like those who know the strategic
importance of silence in music!

Jane Pierce