Klarinet Archive - Posting 000241.txt from 1999/06

From: "Jay Webler" <webler@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] re: Dan Leeson pushing buttons?
Date: Sun, 6 Jun 1999 00:15:43 -0400

Dan Leeson wrote:
>
>I remember being concerned about what would happen to that young man
>who had come to see me if he stepped on Marcellus' foot, so to speak,
>in the middle of his master class session on K. 622. I knew that
>Marcellus had very strong views on this matter and was perfectly
>prepared to humiliate publicly anyone who transgressed his perception
>on how that piece should go. So I warned him against taking any
>action that would provoke Marcellus. I went against my musical
>judgement simply to prevent this young man from being the object
>of Marcellus' willingness to abuse someone publicly.
>

Dan,

It's a shame that you were forced to do something like this, because
of a great player who apparently thinks more of the dead than the living.

This reminds me of the Master class that I observed, a number
of weeks ago, at Kennesaw State. Laura Ardan and Ted Gurch,
of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) were conducting the
the classes, along with Joe Eller who is the Clarinet instructor at
Kennesaw State. I learned a great deal from both of these great Clarinetist,
and yet never sensed any disrespect, by them, for the pupils performing. It was truly
an enlightening time. One of the points that Laura constantly made was, "make the
piece your own". She was not interested in hearing a carbon copy of what
the pupils teacher wanted. One of the students, that performed for Laura, played
Schumanns Fantasy-Piece. I was amazed at the transformation that had taken place
in a 20 minute period time after the Student first performed this piece.

I did not see one student discouraged. On the contrary, many people, including
myself, came out inspired and ready to look more at the entire piece, rather than
just the notes.

During a conversation with Laura on a break I had mentioned how my
teacher is teaching me a great deal about music interpretation. (Laura Ardan
had recommended my teacher to me, and I was thanking her for that recommendation)
Laura gave me a classic statement that I hope I will never forget. "Without Music, there is
no reason for notes." This gave me even a greater desire to pay more close attention to dynamics, articulation
and whatever else goes into a piece of music.

My point in all of this is that those who have been given a great deal of talent should
inspire and not tear down. These students came away which a greater
respect for the instrument and the music. They came away with something
to work with.

I just hope (as I get more into teaching), that if find that I destroyed students
rather than inspire, I will have the good sense to recommend my students to
a competent teacher.

Jay Webler
Jay's Clarinet and Percussion

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe from Klarinet, e-mail: klarinet-unsubscribe@-----.org
Subscribe to the Digest: klarinet-digest-subscribe@-----.org
Additional commands: klarinet-help@-----.org
Other problems: klarinet-owner@-----.org