Klarinet Archive - Posting 001313.txt from 1997/09

From: SDM@-----. Morrow)
Subj: RE: left-handed clarinet
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 12:12:28 -0400

When I was handed my first clarinet at my very first band lesson in
the fourth grade, I instinctively grabbed it with my right hand on the top
and my left on the bottom. Of course, my band instructor immediately
corrected me, but my thought was "I am right-handed - why shouldn't the
right hand go on the top?"!
Of course, I know better now, but I've thought about
"right-handed/left-handed" instruments often during the years (especially
when I heard that Paul McCartney played a left-handed bass!). I've
concluded that since we use both hands anyway, what does it matter? I
would think it would make more sense for string instruments to be
left/right-handed than winds (although I still feel you use both hands, and
both need to be developed to the proper proficiency.

As a side note: when I was in college, we had a very good tubist
who only had a left arm, due to a birth defect. He played a standard tuba,
but used his left hand!

-Scott

Scott D. Morrow
Department of Biochemistry
School of Hygiene and Public Health
Johns Hopkins University
(410) 955-3631

SDM@-----.edu

   
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