Klarinet Archive - Posting 000341.txt from 1999/11

From: Audrey Travis <vsofan@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] re: Major tuning and pitch problems
Date: Wed, 10 Nov 1999 17:06:13 -0500

Walter wrote (in part):

Watch out for Artley's, Conns, Heinkins and
Armstrongs. They play totally crazy. If at all possible, discourage your

students from renting them or buying them. They will cause unfixably
tuning
problems at all levels and will eventually make life hell for the high
school
band director.

Walter
Could you or anyone else on the list please expand on the list of
beginners' clarinets that I should actively discourage parents from
renting or purchasing? I teach band at 6 elementary (grade) schools and
I not only need the list, but some detailed reasons to give my parents
regarding why this is going to create a problem for their child. Some
of these instruments may be far more affordable, and a couple of my
schools are in somewhat disadvantaged areas. Are you able to detail the
disadvantages of each?

Also, I generally recommend an upgraded mouthpiece if financially
feasible - so far, my list has included:
Selmer C85 115

Yamaha 4C

Van Doren B 45

I know we've had a lot of discussion over the past few months about
mouthpieces, but I would like to ask for people's best
recommendationsfor mouthpieces for kids who are 9 or 10 when they start
in a full band program with no time available for sectionals or a lot of
troubleshooting on the spot. By the time each class is settled, I'm
lucky to get 25 minutes of teaching/playing time twice a week.

Also, as a relative clarinet beginner myself, how does one know how to
match a clarinet and a mouthpiece? Would anyone venture to put together
some good clarinet and mouthpiece combos? I start all my beginners on
#2 reeds.

Help, PLEASE.

Thanks, everyone.

Cheers

Audrey

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