Klarinet Archive - Posting 000341.txt from 1996/02

From: Mitch Halpern <dotcalm@-----.COM>
Subj: New Kid on the List
Date: Mon, 12 Feb 1996 21:16:47 -0500

Hello Folks:

I thought I would take the opportunity to use some bandwidth and
introduce myself to the list.

My name is Mitch Halpern and I live in Menlo Park, CA on the San
Francisco peninsula. Unfortunately, I haven't picked up my clarinet for
years (more on this later), but I was an ardent player through
elementary school, high school, college, and even part of grad school.
I was fortunate to attend the New York City public school system in the
days when money was actually spent on music and art education. The
music instruction was of a high enough caliber that I was able to reach
a decent level of proficiency with the aid of lots of hard work. In
fact, due to family financial constraints I did not study privately
with anyone until I attended grad school at UC Berkeley. After grad
school, career responsibilities (I have "evolved" from being a chemist
to being a technology analyst) and a lack of time to join any ensembles
etc. pretty much demotivated me and I have only picked up the clarinet
a handful of times in the last 13 years or so.

I am finding that the interchanges on the list are restimulating my
interest in clarinet playing, although at this point I am in serious
need of an instrument overhaul and remedial instruction. If anyone out
there knows of a clarinet teacher on the SF peninsula who has some
experience dealing with "former" adult clarinet players, please let me
know.

I hope to participate in future clarinet discussions!

Regards,
Mitch Halpern