Klarinet Archive - Posting 000381.txt from 1997/04

From: Kimberly Joan Kriston <kjk0003@-----.edu>
Subj: kids, equipment, reeds--when?
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 08:58:18 -0400

i could not figure out how i would word the subject heading. anyways, my
question is (if/when you are teaching private clarinet lessons): when do
you gets kids on good or decent equipment, such as mouthpiece and
ligature? parents do not want to invest a lot of money in something that
they're not sure the kid will stick with. on the other hand, if the kid
has good equipment, will the kid not like playing more & won't the kid
practice more and be more interested *in* playing?
i'm just curious. i guess you could *gradually* have beginners step up
to better equipment. (i feel a little foolish: i just answered my own
question). i *do* appreciate anyone else's opinions on this subject.
also, would it be too much to have a reed discussion/session with
beginners, such as rotating them, to soak or not soak them, etc? i feel
that the reeds should be very important to clarinet players, but i don't
think i was really serious about them when i was a beginner.
well, these things just popped in my head recently as i was teaching and
saw kids with all different types of equipment and reeds. i also talked
to a band director who is trying to make his clarinet section more
consistent by putting them all on the same set up. do you all agree or
disagree with this idea? i can see both sides, so i don't know what side
to stand on.
well, i appreciate your answers in advance. you may either e-mail me
privately with your thoughts, or start a discussion on one or two of my
points with the list.
thank you for your time,
kim kriston = the university of north texas
kjk0003@-----.edu