Klarinet Archive - Posting 000060.txt from 1997/08

From: deerich@-----.net
Subj: Re: Student Books
Date: Sun, 3 Aug 1997 09:55:22 -0400

Bill Hausmann wrote:
>
> At 03:45 PM 8/2/97 -0500, you wrote:
> >-- [ From: the Grouch * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --
> >
> The instructor has some strong
> >views (there is no mouthpiece but VanDoren B45, there is no reed but
> >VanDoren 3 1/2 - I think it possible that the world is not quite so absolute
> >).

> The world needs WAY fewer of these bozos! The B45 is a fine mouthpiece
> with terrific tone and a lower register that won't quit, but it is not for
> everybody. I find it a chops-buster......Tell your instructor that mouthpieces and reeds are highly
> personal choices. Try a few and use what WORKS for YOU!

I would like to add also that as far as reeds go, the Vandoren 3 1/2 is
much too stiff for beginners (especially children) or the occasional
player. I have just begun teaching my daughter clarinet and the setup
that is working for her is a Vandoren B45 mouthpiece with a Mitchell
Lurie #2 1/2 reed. We tried a Mitchell Lurie #3 but it was too stiff
for her at this stage.

An instructor that makes these kind of mandates certainly is no
clarinettist. It is admirable that he/she wants them to use quality
equipment but that is the wrong approach.

Dee Hays
Canton, SD
deerich@-----.