Klarinet Archive - Posting 000486.txt from 1997/01

From: Ken Bryson <kbryson@-----.COM>
Subj: Recovering Clarinetist Seeks Playing Partners
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 1997 12:29:53 -0500

Hello, Kenneth!

Glad you came out of the shadows. I'm posting this to the list in case
it is of interest to the wider readership, but would be happy to discuss
in greater detail with you, if you contact me directly at our email
address.

I'm also "playing again." In my case, I peaked at about age 17, played
very little during my college years, and then not at all for the next 17
or so. I started again about four years ago, and am ALMOST back to
where I was when I left off. My recommendation is to join a community
band as soon as possible. I understand there are bands in Rockville and
Greenbelt that may be available to you, also several in Northern
Virginia. Playing in a band will help you get your chops back in shape
as well as meet a lot of other amateur musicians and learn about other
playing possibilities. Another possibility is to take lessons or a
class at a music school, university, or community college that includes
chamber music performance. Also, there is a group called the Adult
Music Student Forum, Inc. in the D.C. area. They coordinate recital
opportunities for adult music students, from informal recitals through
formal public recitals, and publish a directory of members. The contact
person for membership infomation is Libby Francisco (a clarinetist and
therefore a wonderful person) 301/929-1885. I've recently joined and
received the directory, but haven't had a chance to contact anyone yet.
Finally, I'd be glad to get together sometime for duets and conversation
about playing opportunites and the challenges and rewards of starting
over.

Good luck!

Nancy