Klarinet Archive - Posting 000624.txt from 1999/02

From: "Craig Countryman" <cegc@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] could i make it?
Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 23:48:51 -0500

Stephanie,

I don't think that its a dumb question at all. However, I think much of
whether you will be successful or not depends on you. I'm a high school
senior, and I see a few of my fellow classmates who want to get into music
education and performance, yet they don't seem to be preparing themselves
adequately. I am thinking they will have a difficult time in college, and
unless they work hard to bring themselves up to par, I'm afraid they might
not have much success. Saying you want to be a pro is one thing, but
carrying through with all the work that is required is another. Having made
All-State Band, especially in a big state like Texas, you have a great basic
knowledge of the clarinet. Now you will have to focus on refining it and
preparing yourself for all the competition. Some of the suggestions I have
picked up, and I think some of the professors on the list may want to screen
these to make sure their are valid, on how to better prepare yourself are as
follows:
1. Make sure you know all major and minor scales
2. Work on your music theory skills
a. Be familiar with various chords, intervals,
recognizing rhythmic and melodic patterns
b. Have a little experience with ear training
3. Try to obtain some piano knowledge
4. Experiment with some of the other woodwind instruments
(flute, sax, etc.)

Scales are a definite help, and I think many students at our level lack
them. Without a basic knowledge of them, it makes learning theory and
everything else much more difficult. Music theory is another key because it
isn't something on which many people get a lot of focus. I know I haven't
had formal theory since 8th grade band class -- ever since we have been too
busy in band class working on marching stuff or working up music for concert
festival. I've tried to keep up my skills on my own, but it is tough. I
find that it isn't something I can teach myself (effectively anyway). Also,
ear training will be an important theory skill, and you'll definitely have a
leg up on the competition if you can recognize basic intervals and stuff
ahead of time.

Also, from what I understand, music majors have to take piano -- it is one
of the basic requirements. Knowing a little ahead of time may reduce the
stress in your life during college. Also, since you mentioned music ed. you
will have to start learning the rest of the instruments sometime, why not
now when you still have some free time? I started flute this past summer
and with all the practice time available I caught along rather quickly. You
may not have all that time when you are in college.

Really, my suggestions are aimed at giving you a head start over some of the
others in your college classes. I think that any advantage you can give
yourself will be beneficial. Perhaps if you start working now you will
reduce the stress in your college years a great deal and give yourself some
time to engage in relaxed study as opposed to rushing because you have SO
much to get through you can't bear it.

Being willing to work hard is a great thing, and if you have that attitude
you will definitely be able to make it! However, if you start applying
yourself now to preparing yourself for the future, I think you will find the
road much easier.

Good luck!

Sincerely Yours,

----------------------------------------------
Craig Earl Countryman
cegc@-----.net
http://www.sneezy.org/clarinet/YPP/Craig.html
----------------------------------------------

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