Klarinet Archive - Posting 000159.txt from 1999/09

From: "Kevin LeNestour" <klenestour@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Adult beginners
Date: Mon, 6 Sep 1999 19:14:43 -0400

I currently play in a fairly unique community band, that to some extent
actualises Jenell's dream.

The band was founded 3-4 years ago by an elementary school music teacher,
Cam Porter, as both a way of fundraising and raising awareness of the music
program in this time of educational cutbacks. The basic premise was that
parents would pay an annual membership fee ( $75.00) and would learn the
same instrument that Junior played. That way, Mom &/or Dad could practice
on the same instrument when it was brought home from school, and Junior
could help coach. Some advanced elementary students also played in the band
in order to help the adult beginners.

I wasn't a member the first year, but I do know that they taught many
adults how to play, and encouraged many others to pick up instruments that
haven't been touched for years. The band is now a community band, and has
expanded in size (we now number about 125 ), and experience level, but many
of the experienced musicians are playing new instruments. You can find most
of the local piano teachers playing woodwinds, and many of the local music
teachers practising different instruments. In addition to playing at school
concerts, we have an annual fundraising concert for the local museum and
hospital, and compete at the annual Kiwanis Music Festival in Owen Sound.
Clearly, we're the only band in our class ;-) )

I'm playing Bass Clarinet in it for the first time, and although the music
is extremely simple, Cam Porter is demanding, and is wonderful to watch as a
conductor!

Carol LeNestour
Port Elgin, Ontario
-----Original Message-----
From: Jenelljack@-----.com]
Subject: Re: [kl] 52 year old 'beginner' needs help - please!

Dave, this confirms something I dream of doing one day...and that is to have
a community music institute where adults can purchase used or even rent
instruments, studying with teachers on staff for planned length of time, and
having a chance to be involved with an ensemble of other adult students at
approximately the same level.

Jenell Jacks
Pittsburgh, PA

---------------------------------------------------------------------
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

---------------------------------------------------------------------
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