Klarinet Archive - Posting 000554.txt from 2000/10

From: "Patricia Smith" <pattiesmith@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] V12 Reed Preparation (was mouthpieces)
Date: Wed, 11 Oct 2000 09:13:24 -0400

Amen to this...there are way too many "shoulds" in the clarinet world, and I
think, once one gets past the intermediate stages of playing, one gets a
pretty good idea of what one's individual nuances are. What works for me
probably won't (but might) work for you. But that's okay with me. It does
not take away from my enjoyment of what I do musically or my enjoyment of
your playing one iota.
For my beginners, when they get to a certain point, yes I insist they do
purchase a certain level of equipment. It actually helps make playing
easier and more consistent, IMO. It also gives them better quality
equipment which will last them throughout high school when, if they choose
to go into music on the college level, they can purchase professional level
equipment with suggestions from their teacher at college.
I do not believe in playing mouthpiece roulette, however. There is not one
"shining, golden" mouthpiece out there that will fix all of my rough spots.
This is what a number of writers have referred to when they say that the
best teachers and players sound pretty much like themselves no matter what
equipment they play on. When I choose a mouthpiece, I choose it in regards
as to how it helps me extend myself through the horn - how it helps me sing
through the horn... yes folks, this is opening a can of worms, and I am
donning a flame resistant suit as we speak. I am not as concerned about the
specific measurements, etc., as I am how it feels to me when I play it. I
play on a number of mouthpieces - really play on them, for a while, make my
choice, and then, i work on me.
Right now, I play on one of Walter's mouthpieces, using Zonda 4.5's and a
Rovener ligature. This set up feels good to me. This is not to say there
is not a lot to fix in my playing. Au contraire, mes amis. However, the
things that need fixing have nothing to do with Walter's mouthpiece and a
great deal to do with Patty and smoothness in the third register and
phrasing in the d=#$%^&$= Mozart concerto and being much more consistent in
my practice schedule. How that could ever be the mouthpiece's fault is
beyond me.

Patty Smith

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