Klarinet Archive - Posting 000563.txt from 1996/10

From: John Blegen <blegen@-----.US>
Subj: Re: Decisions, decisions...
Date: Wed, 23 Oct 1996 18:13:14 -0400

Kelly,

You have brought back some very old and somewhat painful memories. About
35 years ago, I was the ace clarinetist in my highschool, lead alto in the
stage band, and playing as well (tenor and clarinet) in a big band at a
nearby college. My parents and high school advisers were VERY negative
about being a music major and even moreso about a career in music.
Moreover, I ran into some people my age who scared me with their own
talent and ability, and I knew I'd never make it in performance. So I
stayed away entirely, taking only one music course in college. And, in a
sense, I've regretted it ever since.

This is not to say I've been miserable for 35 years -- I haven't. I love
the two careers I've had (so far), and I've continued to play clarinet.
But I've found that a strong foundation in music fundamentals, history,
and so on would have made a great difference.

College is, I think, a time for experimenting and extending the skills and
talents you have. Performance, everyone one this list will tell you, is a
risky enterprise at best, and, should you go that route, a strong minor in
something else (and a good variety of electives) would make a lot of
sense. But, in this aging reed-person's opinion, you'd do well to keep
music in the foreground, since you've come so far already.

Whatever you do, don't stop playing.

Good luck!

John
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