Klarinet Archive - Posting 000966.txt from 1999/05

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Unfeeling Band Directors
Date: Thu, 20 May 1999 09:46:46 -0400

On Thu, 20 May 1999, Jack Kissinger wrote:
> I, for one, would like to confirm this potential urban legend or lay it to rest.
> There are alot of school districts where I live and I have asked alot of band
> directors (and/or students) and I have yet to find a single director who requires
> an R13 (or a professional clarinet, for that matter). Given the range in
> economic circumstances in most districts such a policy would be ludicrous. All
> the directors I have talked to are sensitive to differences in student resources
> and the effects of peer pressures. Based on my observations, I have to conclude
> that school districts that require professional clarinets (let alone R13's) are
> as scarce as hen's teeth.

There are always extremes Jack. There are many directors who require a
certain mouthpiece be in the case for beginners (I personally used to do
the same when I taught public school), and we recommended only certain
instruments be made available for beginners (used to be Yamaha and the
Selmer line where I taught). However, there are directors who require
certain things of their students - at the high school level. If it
involves selection of a pro grade horn, it is a mistake. However, some
directors are able to get a pretty good deal on instruments through their
local store if there is a guarantee that X number will be purchased.

I'm not agreeing with the approach - just trying to explain it.

> So here's my question: Did/do any of you on the list go to a grade/junior
> high/high school where there was/is a requirement that you have a professional
> clarinet? Can anyone on the list, from personal observation (not heresay)
> document the existence of a school district with such a requirement? Maybe I'm
> wrong about this but, if so, I would like to see some evidence.

I believe there was a post awhile back about someone who required all
wooden clarinets in the band.

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

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