Klarinet Archive - Posting 001235.txt from 1997/10

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: 4.5!!!!!!????
Date: Mon, 27 Oct 1997 14:07:32 -0500

We don't start students on the clarinet at nine years old. Some do, but
the vast majority begin in 5th or 6th grade (age 10-11). This difference
in age would have a big impact on the strength reed chosen...not to
mention the equipment itself.

Roger Garrett

On Mon, 27 Oct 1997, Jeroen T. Salm wrote:

> 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
>