Klarinet Archive - Posting 000228.txt from 1997/08

From: Neil Leupold <nleupold@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Kids Today
Date: Wed, 6 Aug 1997 21:32:48 -0400

On Wed, 6 Aug 1997, Jacqueline Eastwood wrote:

> Now, now, now, Neil! Don't tar everyone with the same brush! I got my
> first R-13 when I was in the eighth grade, and my first A when I was in
> ninth grade.

Well, my reaction to 12-yr olds with R-13's is compounded by the
fact that I didn't take my first private lesson until I was 18,
and I suffered on a plastic Artley clarinet through my second
year of college, having started in 4th grade. Thus, it becomes
clear that we all come from different musical backgrounds. The
idea of owning a Buffet clarinet was a far-off fantasy for me
during my childhood, as was the notion of ever going to college.
The money just wasn't there, mom having supported us by cleaning
rich peoples' houses in Marin County (an obvious redundancy for
those of you who know anything about Marin). So when I sit down
with a junior high schooler for the first time and (s)he pulls out
a Leblanc Opus, the astonishment is hard to suppress. It's a knee-
jerk reaction to get a little possessive about these kids' instruments,
because I wish so desperately that I'd had such a wonderful opportunity
for musical growth when I was their age. Showing them how to take good
care of their instruments is my way of showing my respect for the gift
they're being given in the form of a professional quality instrument
and private lessons.

Neil