Klarinet Archive - Posting 000014.txt from 1993/03

From: PHIL PONELLA <PONELLA@-----.BITNET>
Subj: keeping in shape...
Date: Wed, 24 Mar 1993 09:03:00 -0500

In response to the question about staying in shape, I have found that the
largest part of the problem is a psycological one. While working a regular
9-5 job in the Music Library here at the Hartt School of Music and teaching
private clarinet I find that finding the time to practice and the brain power
to practice effectively is a large problem in keeping in shape. On that
note, having something to prepare for is important. When there are no
concerts, gigs, or auditions on the horizon, I find it very easy to slack off.

On the subject of material, I have found a combination of a method book (I
like the Baermann) and some etudes (Rose, Cavallini etc) works pretty well.
It is really important to do the scale studies regularly just to keep the
fingers moving. Since time is really limited, setting a goal of trying to
get through all keys over the course of a week is probably a good idea.
The etudes can get boring especially after a long day so it's probably a good
idea to try and mix in a new piece now and then. Plus, this keeps building your
repetoire.

I don't know, this "sort of" works for me. But I must admit it is very
frustrating trying to juggle everything. The easiest thing to let slip is
the playing, especially when there is nothing to practice towards. I know
that after a day of work at the Library, then giving a few lessons, when I
get home often times a little dinner and the TV can be *very* appealing.

Hope this helps and didn't ramble on too much.

Phil Ponella
Hartt School of Music (203)768-4491
University of Hartford Ponella@-----.bitnet