Klarinet Archive - Posting 001219.txt from 1997/10

From: "Jeroen T. Salm" <jtsalm@-----.nl>
Subj: Re: 4.5!!!!!!????
Date: Mon, 27 Oct 1997 14:07:16 -0500

Hello teachers,

I am astonished by the fact that you (USA) gays/teachers give the beginners
reeds with pretty heavy strength, i.e.: Vandoren #3 or higher. Here, in
Europe that is not at all a normal (but what is normal?) procedure: a lot
of us begin with giving the kids (9 years old) #1,5 or #2! What a
difference! When I give my kiddies something above #2 it is impossible to
give a proper tone. So, why is here such a vast difference between Europe
and USA? (The mouthpiece: lets say B40/B45 Vandoren). And also: in pro
world there is that same difference: here they "only"sell "#2,5 or #3, not
higher, I have the feeling you guys "always"play on reeds #3,5, #4 or even
higher.
Note: we do not at all change our reeds: from the package on to the
mouthpiece that is.

OK, I am wondering for years about this strength business. Is it due to
tradition, other tone-perception?

yours,

Jeroen T. Salm
The Netherlands
jtsalm@-----.nl

----------
| Van: Craig E. G. Countryman <cegc@-----.net>
| Aan: klarinet@-----.us
| Onderwerp: Re: 4.5!!!!!!????
| Datum: zondag 26 oktober 1997 18:53
|
| Cheddar99@-----.com wrote:
| >
| > My private teacher told me never to go above a 3 1/2 unless I go
professional
| > and can handel it! I tried a four once and I couldn't make a sound and
I've
| > been playing for 7 years. New students need to start on 2s and 2 1/2.
| > KD
| > Los Altos, California
|
| I started on a 3 and did fine. It's really a matter of what the
| individual student can handle.
|
| --
| Craig Countryman
| cegc@-----.net
| http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1711
|
| Thought of the Day:
|
| "If you rest, you rust."
| -Helen Hayes