Klarinet Archive - Posting 000544.txt from 2000/10

From: rgarrett@-----.edu
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: Mouthpiece discussion
Date: Tue, 10 Oct 2000 19:24:59 -0400

At 03:31 PM 10/10/2000 -0500, you wrote:
>********************************************************************
>>>>>Here is an excerpt from Tom Ridenour's website explaining the
phenomenon. It
>is a somewhat controversial subject and although Tom and I differ in the
>style of mouthpiece making in other areas, I personally believe that Tom has
>gone a long way in enunciating the problem of asymmetry as I see it.
>
>May I add that in every case that I have encountered, without exception,
>straightening uneven rails has led to the improvement in the playing
>qualities of the mouthpiece.
>
>Gregory Smith

Greg,

I appreciate your posting of Tom Ridenour's writing. Tom and I discussed
this at length two years ago, and I find that I disagree with him very much
on the subject. I disagree with him not because his ideas are contrary to
the approach I have been taught and/or teach myself, but because is is so
definitely black and white - it is either right or wrong. There is no room
for consideration of people who have been successful in ways that are
contrary to the discussion. I guess I just hate to see any performer or
teacher be as black and white about such grey area issues as I have seen.

My experiences over the years in my teaching have led me to conclude that
not all issues such as even or uneven rails are the answer to everything.

I hope this post is not taken in a negative light - for I have great
respect for your playing, Walter's (I heard him too!), and others who have
shared in this discussion. I like your mouthpieces too.........I play on
your Eb!!

So........again, thanks for taking time to write today - it has been
enlightening and exciting to have seen your input on these somewhat
controversial ideas!

Sincerely,
Roger Garrett

Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Director, Symphonic Winds
Head, Recording Studio
Illinois Wesleyan University
School of Music
Bloomington, IL 61702-2900
(309) 556-3268

"A man never discloses his own character so clearly as when he describes
another's."
Jean Paul Richter (1763-1825)

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