Klarinet Archive - Posting 000240.txt from 1996/08

From: Claudia Zornow <claudia@-----.COM>
Subj: Paris ClarinetFest
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 1996 16:31:49 -0400

Someone asked recently for comments about the ClarinetFest in
Paris last month. Since no one else has stepped up...

Overall I enjoyed the conference. I heard many fine players
and some absolutely outstanding ensembles. The exhibit hall
provided an opportunity to try the top instrument and mouthpiece
models all in one place: Buffet, Selmer, LeBlanc, Yamaha--more
than I've ever seen in a single music store.

We also got to take a tour of the Buffet factory. The Buffet
people were extremely kind and obliging. (They even replaced
the worn-down-to-pink keys on my R13 for free!) I must say
that OSHA would close down that place in a minute, though.

Paris was a treat, of course. I could definitely get used
to drinking wine with all my meals (except breakfast!). The
"Learn to Speak French" tape that I had studied before I left
was very useful, and contrary to the Parisian reputation, no
one was unkind about my severely limited language ability.

My biggest conference disappointment was the lack of interactive
participation. Somehow I had expected to do more than just listen
and try out instruments--maybe play, maybe attend some kind of
panel discussions where the audience asks questions, something
like that. I've heard that at the flute association's annual
convention they organize flute choirs for anyone who wants to
participate; that could be fun for clarinets.

There were surprisingly few lectures or presentations. I would
have thought that, with all that clarinet brainpower and enthusiasm
gathered in one place, it would be a great opportunity to share
information and research.

The physical setup of the conference made it a bit difficult to
mingle and get to know people. People were staying in several
different housing facilities, some of which were not very close to
the conference itself. I'm sure this couldn't be helped, but it
would have been nice to have everyone in closer proximity. There
was one social gathering, a reception, which provided a nice chance
to talk to everyone in one place, but that was fairly late in the
conference (4th day of 5); I would have liked to see more such
gatherings earlier.

Some of these comments may be a bit unfair because I'm in a way
comparing the conference to what I usually do in July, which is
attending a chamber music workshop that consists of nothing *but*
participation and mingling. Any comments from people who have
attended previous ClarinetFests?

At any rate, it was a good experience and I would consider going
again.

Claudia

   
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