Klarinet Archive - Posting 000529.txt from 2001/02

From: "Dee D. Hays" <deehays@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] beginning student
Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2001 17:51:40 -0500

----- Original Message -----
From: "Sharon S. Fuller" <ssfworthy@-----.com>
Subject: Re: [kl] beginning student

> I haven't posted on the list before. I am a new general music and band
> teacher in an elementary school. I agree that the mouthpieces that come
with
> the beginner and rental clarinets are so incredibly varied that I can't be
> sure what reeds strengths are best. Next school year, I am thinking of
> asking all the parents to buy the same basic mouthpiece. Does anyone have
> any experience with "requiring" a mouthpiece?
>

As a parent, I would say it would annoy most if you "require" a certain
mouthpiece. For one thing, the parent may have signed the child up with a
private teacher. What if the private teacher has a different preference?
What if the parent is a clarinet player and wants to choose a mouthpiece
based on their own experience and preference? What if the parent is willing
to invest in an even more expensive mouthpiece that is not on your list
(there are a few who would)? However if you "strongly recommend" *several*
different ones and explain *why*, you will have much better success. Make
it plain that if the mouthpiece is not on the list but selected by a private
teacher or other experienced player, that is acceptable too. Even then
realize that some parents can't or won't invest that extra amount and go
with the flow.

Dee Hays
Michigan

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