Klarinet Archive - Posting 000654.txt from 2001/09

From: JMarioneau@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] clarinet presentation for children
Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2001 14:55:41 -0400

I presented one to fifth graders. I wore my clarinet tie and had the Eb, Bb, A, alto, bass, and contrabass sitting out and I demonstrated each one of them. They loved the contra ("Now let's take a look at this bad boy right here!"). I talked about how the sounds is made with a reed. I opened with Rhapsody in Blue before I ever said anything. I even had an Albert system to show them how the clarinet was improved with the addition of mare keys. Play something slow so they can hear how the instrument can reflect a sad mood (slow mvt. of the Mozart is what I used). I played the ice cream song (Joplin's "The Entertainer") for something happy. I did the Popeye Song (Sailor's Hornpipe)on the bass and contra. Play a little jazz. I can't rememeber everything I played but they though it was cool. The tie in the shape in a clarinet went over big also. Maybe some reed earrings would be cool. Smile a lot. Bring a few old junkers that are in good visual shape and pass them around to let them handle the instrume
nts (no reeds on the horns). Tell them they are expensive and delicate and they have to have respect for instruments. Tell them these instruments are the real thing, very valueable, and not a toy instrument (they will believe it). Good luck. Hopefully these ideas can get you started and I am sure others will have more ideas.
Good Luck.

James Marioneaux
Baytown (TX) Symphony Orchestra
Baytown Community Band
Adjunct Clarinet Instructor Lee College
Bay Arts Woodwind Quintet
Band Director- Barbers Hill High School
(I have no free evenings, especially during football season)

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