Klarinet Archive - Posting 000414.txt from 1997/06

From: Mark Charette <charette@-----.com>
Subj: Re: Experiment
Date: Sun, 22 Jun 1997 10:46:24 -0400

deerich@-----.net wrote:
> I have always believed that the mouthpiece makes a significant impact
> on
> the sound and that this would be true on student instruments as well.

Not a belief. It is true. Whether the sound is better or worse ...
But it will make an impact.

> Also if this is true and documented, it would provide an avenue for
> serious junior high and high school students to get a better sound
> even
> though a better clarinet might too much for them or their family to
> pay
> for.

In the school district where we were formerly, all students
had to buy a Vandoren 5RV mouthpiece before coming to band
in middle school. Period. The band instructor (not a clarinet
player, btw), understood the 5RV and could adjust the reeds enough
to help each student. If each student played on a different
mouthpiece, she felt that she couldn't spend enough time helping
them with other things; she'd spend all her allotted "clarinet time"
on finding the right reeds for the mouthpiece. Since the time allotted
to each section of the band was rather limited, she wanted to make
the best use of the time. She made exceptions for students with
private teachers; however, most of the students in 6th grade
didn't have private teachers.

It made sense to me then (I had questioned why I had to spend another
$70.00 on a mouthpiece) and it makes sense now. (I knew nothing
about the mechanics of clarinet playing then; I think I know less
now :)
--
Mark Charette "How can you be in two places at once
charette@-----.com when you're not anywhere at all?"
http://sneezy.mika.com/clarinet - Firesign Theater