Klarinet Archive - Posting 001141.txt from 1998/11

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] life beyond college
Date: Mon, 30 Nov 1998 08:38:50 -0500

On Mon, 30 Nov 1998, SEAN TALBOT wrote:
> I'm finding myself in a rather interesting position. After 5 years
> I'm finally graduating with a music education degree at the end of next
> semester.
[snip]
> I know there are many music educators on this list and I was wondering how
> you kept fresh and where you look to find performance opportunities. I hope
> this isn't a stupid question. I know that if I can't find something then I'll
> probably put a group together myself and try to get area band directors to
> come and join. I'm curious as to what others on this list have done in this
> situation.

Ahhhhh......Sean - you will be a wonderful teacher I can tell!

So many music educators put their horns in the closet and forget about
them. That you still enjoy playing and are interested in continuing to
perform not only means you probably picked the right career, but your
students will look to you as a means of example. They will be determined
to please you because you take it so seriously.

Having been in the position you are entering, my advice is to take open
auditions at union halls, play in the community band or orchestra.
Volunteer to play for the non-profit musical (no matter how hideous the
ensemble/conductor are), play a solo with another local band, get to know
local university professors who might include you in some way. If you
don't play bass clarinet or Eb soprano clarinet, learn them - you now have
access to school instruments. Teach as many private students as you can
for low rates (until you become better known), organize a clarinet day and
bring in outside people - hold a recital at the end of the day.

Put on a personal recital each year - it doesn't have to be the most
difficult music - it could be a mix of music you have wanted to learn and
music your students are learning (quite easy stuff but music that is of
good quality).

Roger Garrett
Illinois Wesleyan University

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