Klarinet Archive - Posting 000818.txt from 1997/07

From: GunnyCC@-----.com
Subj: Re: Major Decisions
Date: Fri, 25 Jul 1997 22:33:38 -0400

Sarah,
I know that your decision will be the best, and I say that because of your
path. You have a question and you asked for answers. I will say however,
that the answer isn't the same for everyone. Again, I will probably give
away my age but, then, I'm not the oldest nor the yougest...................
I was raised in NYC, and I had the chance to play with people that some dream
about. It wasn't that I was the best, it was just the surroundings. Alot of
people that were great didn't continue their career, and by now some are
successful busines people and some are flippin' burgers (or their minds).
Some (quite a good number) majored in Music Ed, because it's "something to
fall back on"!!! I've seen some teachers that are lousy because they would
rather play. I've also seen some incredible teachers that can play. This is
what I recommend........................
1. There is no secret in education-- find a couple of days to tag along
with teachers and see the pros and cons. The politics of parents, the
principle, the students!! Then as you start saying to yourself "oh, no, god
please no!! Stop and look into the eyes of the student that can finally blow
a note or play a song, or better yet a solo (..........man, sometimes I
really want to teach, and sometimes I do).

2. Now, go to a musician and see the boring rehearsals, the time to work
on your reeds, or time spent trying to teach a kid private lessons, (and
finding out he didn't practice and doesn't care) trying to make ends meet.
Or maybe the time spent without a gig (It happens). Now feel the enjoyment
of the successful concert and the applause that never seems to end!!!
Personally, I call that the musician's high!!! Natural, cheap, and
great!!!

Look, my job in the Marine Corps is to qualify musicians for the band
program. And recruiters might hate me (most do), but I say go to college if
you can afford it, and only if you want to!!
I've been in 15 years, and in 5 years I retire at the age of 39. I'm a
clarinet player, and am quite proud to say that one of my role models in high
school was Fred who now teaches at Peabody. I went to Music and Art H.S. in
NYC and in that shcool recruiters were simply not allowed. I came into the
USMC as an electrician, because I didn't know that they had 12 bands!!! It
took me 6 months to transfer into the band field. I've played in too many
different countries, states, and cities to name. I've played for Presidents
Reagan and Bush. Played on a couple of sets in Hollywood, and also for the
American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement Awards in 95 or was it 96 ( I
forget) Spielberg one it that year!! Saw all the people of Hollywood and John
Williams, I can go on and on!!!
The military bands have always been a great place for those that want to
play!! Quite a few number of military musicians go back to college after
their service, some with college funds others with scholarships. Afterall,
how good will you be if you apply yourself for 4 years just on music!!
But, don't forget I NEED great teachers out there, so that I can get great
players!!!
Simply put-- your decision won't kill you and there is no real "point of no
return", so........
Get as much info as possible and make your desicion, you'll do just fine!!!
I've made a web site at:
http://www.concentric.net/~cckc
I hope this helps.

Sincerely,
Carlos Cardo
Musician Technical Assistant
8th Marine Corps District

P.S. although I'm terrible with names, I do miss the friends at Performing
Arts, and
Music and Art High Schools in NYC!!

   
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