Klarinet Archive - Posting 000338.txt from 1999/02

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Evette Clarinets
Date: Mon, 8 Feb 1999 19:42:39 -0500

On Mon, 8 Feb 1999, MD wrote:

> << If none of that works, they can play
> their plastic clarinet in the second band, but it has hardly ever come to
> that.>>
>
> Just add my name to the list of naysayers on this statement. I have tried
> the Buffet student model and the keywork and tone are quite similar to
> the feel of my R-13. I reccomend my beginner students play on this
> instrument if they can afford it (It costs approx. $100-$150CDN more) It
> is hard enough to maintain interest in music in high school students
> without discouraging them because they cannot afford a particular model
> of instrument.
> Mike Dowler

I have hesitated to jump into this discussion. However, there is simply
nothing wrong with playing plastic. The Buffet plastics and the Yamaha
plastics are good enough that I could play them in our orchestra without
anyone else knowing the difference. I might have to work harder in some
ways, but they are viable, excellent instruments.

When I was in 9th grade, I won 3rd chair in a taped audition for the
Oregon All-State Band - on a plastic Vito - ahead of 28 other players who
were playing wood clarinets. Two years later, I won a young artists
competition to solo with the Oregon Symphony on the same plastic clarinet.
If someone had told me I would not be allowed to participate because I
played on plastic, it would have been an obvious narrow viewpoint.

RG
Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Director - Concert Band, Symphonic Winds & Titan Band
Advisor - Recording Studio
Illinois Wesleyan University

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