Klarinet Archive - Posting 000083.txt from 1996/06

From: Gene Keyes <gene@-----.NET>
Subj: Re: Jazz Clarinetists?
Date: Wed, 5 Jun 1996 19:22:16 -0400

>
>Gene,
>
> Although I've lost track of the name of the high-school player
>who started this thread, for that person's benefit and your believability
>in advising him/her and the band instructor, I thought some of your
>specific experiences might reinforce some of the outstanding credits
>you already cite in the forwarded message.
>
> I seem to recall your playing lead clarinet in the first pit
>orchestras of famous productions. Wasn't "Fiddler...." one of them and/or
>possibly others?
>
> Would you kindly refresh my memory?
>
> Regards,
>
> Connie
>
>Hi Connie.........
Your right....I did the original "Fiddler" on B'way for about 7 years. I
was also involved with a number of free lance orchestras during that time,
including: American Symphony Orch, B'klyn and Westchester Philharmonias, New
Jersey Symphony, fairly steady extra with the Metropolitan Opera Orch. and a
great deal of chamber music and recording..........this all goes back to the
late 1960's and 70s.

When "Fiddler" closed I had one or 2 shows that didn't last as long as it
would take to mention them. By this time I had a family and a mortgage and
as the music business wasn't getting any better, I chose to go into
education as a High School Band Director. It kept me totally involved with
music and left me the time to maintain and use my performing skills. While
I've been teaching for a much longer time than I'd care to admit, I'm still
a very active as a free lancer in the NY area. While my orchestral playing
is limited by my lack of availability for rehearsals, I do anywhere from 1
to 5 club dates a week, play with a WW quintet on a regular basis, try to
do at least one or two solo recitals a year and in my spare time, do some
studio teaching. It keeps me busy but it also keeps me sane..........

thanks again for the kind words....gene
Gene Keyes
gene@-----.net

   
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