Klarinet Archive - Posting 000910.txt from 1997/09

From: Neil Leupold <nleupold@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Human Decency (was: Tabutea)
Date: Fri, 19 Sep 1997 12:20:27 -0400

Dan Gross wrote:

> Although some semblance of reason has finally overtaken this thread, please
> let me know when your next gig is. I would be willing to fly to Texas so
> that just before your performance I can smash your best reed against the wall
> to give you the priviledge of "learning to adapt."

You're shooting the messenger here, Dan. I merely passed the
story on to the list, and then clarified to a puzzled member what
Tabuteau's rationale was for his alleged action. Your sarcastic
post suggests that I subscribe to Tabuteau's methodology and
have perhaps even attempted to advocate it to others on the
list. That such an inference was made reveals more about the
interpreter than it does about the transmitter of the information.
My experience has shown me that the talent of adaptation to sub-
standard reeds is invaluable, especially given the cost vs. quality
of reeds these days. As for intentionally smashing a student's
good reed, I think it's horrible (although there is an element
of triumphant catharsis in smashing my own when they've produced
their last sine wave).

Neil