Klarinet Archive - Posting 000248.txt from 1996/08

From: Dave Lane <davelane@-----.NET>
Subj: Re: Neckstraps
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 1996 01:00:59 -0400

I expected someone to bring out a different point of view on the subject of
neckstraps, but since no one has, I'll attempt it.

Clark Fobes alluded to the fact that a neckstrap will help keep the
mouthpiece firmly in the mouth. There is a school of thought that believes
this to be the case with the soprano clarinet, also.

The formidable team of Clarinet Professors at our local four-star School of
Music, The University of North Texas, are proponents of the neckstrap. Drs.
John Scott and James Gillespie both use and recommend the use of the
neckstrap for their students.

A young friend of mine has been fortunate enough to study with Dr. Gillespie
recently. She does not suffer from any skeletal problems associated with
the weight of the clarinet, but Dr. Gillespie insisted that she use it to
improve stability of the mouthpiece in the mouth, particularly in the upper
registers. It has resulted in an immediate improvement of facility for her.

As many of you know, Dr. Scott does suffer from some severe skeletal
problems in the arms and shoulders and relies on the neckstrap a great deal.

Perhaps a student of theirs would like to expand on this since my knowledge
is partly second hand.

Dave Lane
Lewisville, TX