Klarinet Archive - Posting 000304.txt from 1998/02

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Starting on E-Flat?
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 14:49:33 -0500

> On Wed, 4 Feb 1998, Roger Garrett wrote:
> > I currently have a 7th grade student who started in 5th grade with me.
> > She has learned the entire first movement of the Mozart Concerto (and
> > believe me when I say I don't believe in putting kids onto that piece too
> > soon) - she is bored to tears in band. Should I have recommended not
> > beginning until 6th grade simply so she would not be a social outcast in
> > band? There are other things she can do....such as be a leader in the
> > ensemble, set the example, help the music teacher, etc.

Martin Pergler responded:
> ....or start another instrument. Nothing like it for becoming a
> better all-round musician.

Generally, nothing will screw up a good fundamental base than starting a
kid on another instrument too soon. This 7th grader isn't ready even to
go to Bass Clarinet or Eb Clarinet yet......I certainly would not want her
going to saxophone or, worse, a brass instrument.

Percussion........ok by me!

Roger Garrett
IWU