Klarinet Archive - Posting 000431.txt from 1997/07

From: jclark@-----. Clark)
Subj: tongue-piercing
Date: Tue, 15 Jul 1997 13:10:34 -0400

Hi, folks -- I never dreamed that my entry into this list would have
anything to do with tongue-piercing, and I promise never to mention it
again, but I will note that I do not doubt the detrimental effects of
tongue-piercing on clarinet performance. My only concern was for
sensitivity to the context from which the question arose, and for the
appropriateness of replies to the question. I have a 16-year-old daughter
who is a fine clarinet player (1st chair in her high school band and third
in All-State Symphonic Band as a sophomore), and fortunately she has never
considered tongue-piercing. However, as a result of this discussion and my
previous post she is now broaching the topic of navel-piercing. I'm
inclined to say enough is enough. I won't say anything else if you won't.

Later, JFC

<< That's why it's semi-surprising to read
what could be considered rather unkind comments addressed to the kid with
tongue-piercing question.

I distinctly remember my father raising the roof when I got my ear pierced
at age 18 in 1975. I wore various earrings, had long hair, dressed
flamboyantly, and made a bare living playing music for a total of eight or
nine years. >>

The difference is that you did not tongue your instrument with your earlobe.
You could easily play your clarinet without either earlobe and dressed
completely naked. My concern is the destruction of tissue vital to playing
your instrument. And the greatist concern is that this damage may not be
temporary. I don't care what my students wear or do to their ears, hair,
navel or eyebrows: All I am concerned with is with their overall health and
how it affects their lungs, lips, tongue, arms, fingers and wrists, and
brain. :)

Teri Herel.

John F. Clark jclark@-----.edu
College Technology Coordinator
College of Communications and Information Studies
121 Grehan Building
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506-0042
PH: (606)257-2810 FAX: (606)257-7818