Klarinet Archive - Posting 000387.txt from 1997/04

From: "L. BORCHERT" <lborcher@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: kids, equipment, reeds--when?
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 08:58:24 -0400

On Fri, 11 Apr 1997, Kimberly Joan Kriston wrote:

> 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
[B> 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
>
>

Patricia Medina had to best answer, so far, to your first
question. The best time to get beginners on good equipment is when they
first get their instruments (I did stay away from the "horn" terminology).
That means you try to specify, at the very least, mouthpiece, reeds, and
ligature. Most everyone on this list can recommend a mouthpiece for
beginner level players (I would recommend trying the new Fobes model,
available from him directly or from Muncy, for about $26.00), but just
stay with a medium opening and medium (or slightly less) length of facing.
As their embouchures develop, then you can shift to something different.
The proof, however, is in the music itself; the students can
usually hear if their sound improves on a better mouthpiece or reed and so
can their parents. Have some demonstrator models for them to try (use a
sterilizing solution before and after).
As for when to suggest new equipment, my "rule of thumb" is that
when the equipment holds them back, they need to upgrade. This means that
if their embouchures, air, reeds, etc. are good, then the mouthpiece takes
on a more urgent need. When you, or they, want a certain sound or legato
connection and the instrument itself won't let them or they have to work
way too hard to get it, then its time for an upgrade there.