Klarinet Archive - Posting 000651.txt from 1997/05

From: Dick Walters <waltersd@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Questions !!
Date: Tue, 27 May 1997 05:45:27 -0400

FROM ME MAN wrote:
>
> I must apologize for igniting the fire that started this uptightness
> within the Klarinet list. Ever since the 1st time I asked a question
> which was strongly "attacked" and also defended, I have been reluctant
> to post anything to the list. I don't think that I should have to do
> that, and therefore, I'm signing off Klarinet.
>
> Thanks to everyone out there in "Klarinet-land" who was willing to assist
> me when I had questions. You don't know how much my quote-unquote
> Clarinet knowledge has increased since being on this list.
>
> Maybe I'll come back sometime & "test" the waters again...just to see if
> I should "move back in..." For now, you can see what I'm up to by
> checking out my web page: www.geocities.com/Vienna/2637
>
> Signing Off, :-(
>
> Kenneth Chin
> New York Youth Symphony
> Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division
> www.geocities.com/Vienna/2637/index.html (*****NEW*****)
As a relatively new member of this group, who probably has been playing
clarinet longer (50+ years) and knows less about it than most of you, I
am a bit bemused by all this business of asking "dumb" questions. I
suspect there is a certain fear lurking in all our dark places of
embarrassing ourselves amongst our peers. I know I've felt it and I
suspect even the most professional of us test our questions and
responses against a concern of how it they will be perceived by others
on this list. I've noticed this at several levels as I've read postings
over the past several months and felt some of it in responses (and even
lack of response) to some of my posts. We're seeing the fragility of
human nature at work here, gang. Just a small echo of real life. Where
else could we subject ourselves to a more concentrated mix of folks
whose respect and acceptance would mean more to our fragile egos? Seems
like it's time for us all to mellow out and get back to the business of
sharing clarinet issues, smart and dumb alike. What is a dumb question
anyway, but one you've never asked or heard answered. And Fred,
questions from folks too lazy to look it up? Come on. What's easier
than asking the experts? My dictionary usually assumes I can spell a
word correctly when I look for the word to check the spelling. Maybe
people consider your answers might be more complete and meaningful than
what they'd find in a library. Maybe a librarian has jumped them for
wasting her time in the past. Who knows why we are what we are? I
think this list is of great value to all of us if we keep the playing
field level on seeking knowledge. You might even learn from me, Fred,
if you ask. (I could tell you a lot of things to instruct your students
NOT to do when learning the clarinet). Time to mellow out. Don't quit
the list Kenneth. That WOULD be dumb. There's more here than this
rather petty display of human frailty that has distracted us somewhat
from our passion, the clarinet.

Dick Walters