Klarinet Archive - Posting 000300.txt from 2000/06

From: "Patricia Smith" <pattiesmith@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Students in general, was Re: [kl] New Student
Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2000 12:32:39 -0400

Hi all,

There Are some really fine band directors out there. The one I had in H.s.
was really fine, and was also a fine performer in classical and jazz idioms
on clarinet, flute and all the saxes. Although he was not a brass or
percussion expert, he knew what he needed to know to convey to students what
was in the music we were studying in band. Many students in all sections
took private lessons, not because we had too or there was pressure, but
because we wanted to. Many of us grew up to be music educators and
performers.
I think this was because, above all, we learned MUSIC. Music as
communication, as expression, as exchange between human beings - as a force
if you will that is valuable for its abilities to change people and their
actions (I am probably getting into the music therapy area now, but I have
always used playing instruments as a form of self - conducted music therapy
anyway). The children (and adults) I really feel sad for are those who
never get to experience music on this level. And to experience it on this
level does take disciplined effort on the part of the student as well as the
teacher.
Audrey and Karl, I always enjoy your posts, because they convey some point
that I can incorporate into my playing and teaching to make it a better
experience for all involved. Jonathan, it is hard to work with kids who
have learned bad habits for any reason, but it has been my experience that
the best results are obtained when a positive tack is taken and focus is
placed on what the student can work on today (in the case of my new student,
we cleaned the mouthpiece, got new reeds, readjusted the ligature and
assigned long tones and other really basic things for breathing. I also
recommend reading Lelia's post; thanks Lelia - I agree that I should not get
in the middle of a mother-son conflict. The boy has a good ear, and I hope
to encourage him in developing this musical trait.
On a more utile note, I am preparing for my first real studio recital. So
far, I have eight students who should be participating, and I plan to play a
short unaccompanied piece on clarinet (maybe the third of the Stravinsky
Three Pieces ?) as well as accompanist duties on piano. the music store I
rent studio space from is very encouraging, so all I have to do now is
coordinate vacation times for all the parents!!! He, he. If anyone else has
experiences they want to share, I need lots of help.
TIA

Cheers to all,
Patty Smith

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