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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000028.txt from 2003/07

From: D Bogan <dgbogan@-----.net>
Subj: [DR-L] Was "Patriotic instruments"--off-color double-reeds?
Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2003 15:49:03 -0400

Well, at least in Alice, Texas, America, any
instrument a kid brings to sign up for beginning band
must be approved by band directors (and the music
company who handles the rentals!)So, there's none of
that "my uncle had this horn in the attic!" (Of
course, I started band umpteen years ago on a cherry
wood clarinet that my older sister had used--but the
band director approved it!)

I've missed the last few IDRS Conferences, but I
recall seeing a bassoon in the exhibits one year that
was YELLOW with gold keywork--looked like a big
banana. (The name of the maker is withheld to protect
the guilty). Then, didn't the French oboe whiz,
Leleux, play a clear (lucite?) Loree with gold keys,
on a recital? That was at Indiana, I think. These are,
I guess, attention-getting gimmicks, and they worked!

Gee, especially with the increasing rarity of exotic
woods, maybe research into other materials that won't
adversely affect the tone quality will come to the
forefront.Meanwhile, I hope we educators can help our
communities to understand why inferior musical
instruments are not worth the money, no matter how
cheap!!

Donna B.

>I don't know about the color issue, but was amazed
and appalled at a display at Walmart of clarinets,
trumpets and flutes, each priced at $217 and made in
China. There are going to be some very disappointed
band directors or parents when the student shows up
with one of these and is told to take it back in the
fall.
Best wishes,
James E. Roberson, Jr.<

====
Donna G. Bogan
Double Your Reeds and Double Your Music--
Oboe, English horn, and Bassoon