Klarinet Archive - Posting 000254.txt from 1997/12

From: Josh-Boy <joshcole@-----.Edu>
Subj: Student instruments, yadda, yadda, yadda...
Date: Sat, 6 Dec 1997 08:22:26 -0500

Jennifer Rose McKenna,

I agree with Prof. Garrett. The TLC an instrument really requires to
keep working properly isn't lacking in just the elementary levels. Last
year, one of my bass clarinetists took a wood Buffet bass clarinet to a
marching competition, not knowing the effects of colder temperatures and
the elements (mother nature) on wooden instruments. Well, needless to
say, our school's best bass cracked. Since she wasn't exactly looking
into a music career, she hadn't yet boned up on her Caring for Wood
Instruments class. This was in high school, BTW. And in fact, most of
the professional level or advanced instruments we had in the department
had been trashed because very few people know or take the time to learn
how to properly care for an instrument. This is the beauty of less-than-
perfect instruments. Or, to avoid confusion, the beginner and
intermediate level instruments. Hmm, here's a thought... maybe we should
teach beginner's not only how to play the instrument of their choice, but
also we should teach them proper care. This lack of TLC for an instrument
is also seen at the university level. Not everyone involved in music is a
music major, so the school kindly provides instruments for those lacking.
And therefore, they decide to buy the cheaper instruments, because while a
"perfect" instrument (though realistically, none actually exist! =) ) may
sound really cool, it sounds just the same as a cheap one when broken, and
the cheaper ones are easier to replace.

Josh Coleman