Klarinet Archive - Posting 000273.txt from 1996/10

From: "David B. Niethamer" <niethamer@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: bass doubling
Date: Thu, 10 Oct 1996 23:04:07 -0400

Jacqueline, you wrote:

>I'm just curious now... how many people out there use reed water? I have
>done so for MANY years and couldn't do without it! The reed soaks so
>much more evenly than sticking it in your (germ-filled) mouth and sucking
>on it! I also think that it's somewhat cleaner!

I use reed water at home, and at my University teaching studio. But after
all, you can't completely eliminate putting the reed in your mouth, so
eliminating contact with those bacteria is really impossible. Perhaps
you'd like to consider giving up cheese as well! I frequently also soak
my reed for a few minutes *after* practice, "rinsing" it, before
flattening the back and putting it in my reed case. This seems to prolong
reed life for me. It's a trip I learned from my principal bassoon
colleague in the orchestra. But on stage at a rehearsal or concert, the
reed water is just too much trouble.

David

David Niethamer
Principal Clarinet, Richmond Symphony
niethamer@-----.edu
dbnclar1@-----.com
http://users.aol.com/dbnclar1/