Klarinet Archive - Posting 001009.txt from 2000/08

From: "Tim A Zehr" <timaz@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Which one? (Uh-oh...newby alert!)
Date: Wed, 30 Aug 2000 14:36:20 -0400

Bill Hausmann wrote:

>
> This is why companies like ours will often go into the schools at the band
> director's request to do "fittings." We allow the kids to try out several
> instruments they might be interested in. If they can't get a sound out of
> a flute, we and they can eliminate that as a choice right away, thereby
> improving the child's likelihood of success.

My school worked the same way, and they turned me away from the trumpet because
I couldn't make a sound on it. Well, I have an identical twin who exceled way
above anybody in his calss on the trumpet, and I am quite sure our musical
abilities are exactly the same. This is why I believe turning away students on
the spot doesn't always work.

<snip>

> but the child's
> personal preference remains a VERY strong influence in the process.

I believe this is a very important idea. They will need guidance in making the
decision. But it ultimatley should be up tho the student. After all, how will
they practice an instrument they don't like? My elementary school didn't let us
give too much input, so I chose the clarinet because that's what they needed
(and I was rejected on trumpet).

> Another factor we use is an aural aptitude test we give which shows whether
> the students can hear pitch and rhythm differences, so we can steer the
> tone-deaf AWAY from french horn and trombone, and the rhythm-impaired from
> percussion.

On the flip side, couldn't teaching a tone deaf person the french horn help
improve that person's aural skills? Remember that the reason lots of kids have
trouble hearing pitches is because they were never exposed to it. It doesn't
always mean they aren't capable of learning it.

Tim Z.

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