Klarinet Archive - Posting 000231.txt from 1997/12

From: Dee Hays <deerich@-----.net>
Subj: Re: clarinets for beginners who want to be better
Date: Fri, 5 Dec 1997 18:58:26 -0500

Right up front I will say that I have not tried the Sonata. However in
Leblancs literature they promote this as a serious instrument for the advanced
student. It is supposed to be a step above their intermediate line but not
intended to be in the same class as the Concerto (the cost is substantially
less also). Ninth grade is still too early for the majority of students to be
set on a career direction. At that point in my life, I wanted to be a doctor,
chemist, teacher, and a whole host of other things at various times. I
didn't settle on engineering until late in the 11th grade. When in college, I
started out to be a ceramic engineer and found it did not suit me. However at
that point, I homed in on Aerospace Engineering as I finally had enough data
and experience to make an informed choice. Unless the student knows beyond a
shadow of a doubt that they are set on the path of becoming a music
professional, this instrument (or comparable ones of other brands) should be
quite suitable.

Another point to bear in mind is that the used pro horns seem to be getting
harder and harder to find. People are hanging on to them and knowledgeable
players are snapping them up as they advance in their playing.

Dee Hays
deerich@-----.net
Canton, SD

Gary_VanCott@-----.com wrote:

> Jennifer wrote,
> I have a student trying these next week or so plus the Leblanc Sonata,
> which I had them order out of curiosity! She is in 9th grade...
>
> ***
> In my opinion, a (serious) student in 9th grade should buy a used
> professional clarinet (if they can't afford a new one). Anything purchased
> at this age will probably be used through high school and into college.
>
> Gary Van Cott
> Las Vegas, NV