Klarinet Archive - Posting 000248.txt from 1999/06

From: James.P.Reed@-----.net (James P Reed)
Subj: Re: [kl] A fond farewell
Date: Sun, 6 Jun 1999 09:09:43 -0400

Doug Sears wrote:

> I think those who have been enlightened enjoy their enlightenment in
> silence, and it is those whose opinions have not been changed who
> cling to them most loudly. I've certainly learned a lot on this
> list.

Sometimes reading this list is a tradeoff between the notion of "You
can't teach an old dog new tricks" and the idea that "You're never too
old to learn."

I began playing the clarinet a year ago, at age 50, and find this list
to be a most useful and constructive source. The discussions and
members here are much more informative and enlightening, for me, IMHO,
than a variety of other mailing lists and newsgroups I belong to.

I'm not so sure about David's remark that minds are rarely enlightened
or opinions changed although, once some of us commit our egos to a
public statement, I realize it's very difficult to openly change our
mind. Certainly, a few months ago, I engaged in one of those flame wars
regarding a non-clarinet issue. However, I highly suspect there are a
great many of us who do learn and change with respect to the information
and discussions carried on by other clarinet list members.

And, I do agree many of us often write things for our own benefit, but
I'm not always so sure that's such a bad thing as, personally, I often
find exposing my ideas to others is a great way to learn more, whether I
like what I hear or not.

Certainly, I have nothing profound to offer on this subject. I just
wanted to jump in on this thread and let it be known I really do
appreciate this list and the varied, sometimes overwhelming information
(at least for a beginnner) that appears here. One of the best things I
find about this list is that I have met and corresponded with some very
helpful and wonderful people including having gotten one of Roger's
early mouthpieces which has really made a difference in my playing
compared to the Selmer HS* I was started on.

Thanks to all and keep up the interesting discussions, even the flame
wars, which occassionally skyrocket my blood pressure due to personal
hot buttons of my own, which really have nothing to do with music or
playing the clarinet.

Jim

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