Klarinet Archive - Posting 000783.txt from 2001/10

From: Nichelle Crocker <nichelle@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] 25 year hiatus (was Off Topic Chat)
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2001 07:20:42 -0400

Tom Henson wrote:

>25 years later, I have none of these habits to undo. The miracle of time has
>resulted in the ability to re-learn these skills the right way the first
>time around. I find that I do not struggle nearly as much.

Same here. In a way, I feel that it has been a real blessing to have the
opportunity to "start over" with my clarinet playing. I, too, am
re-learning things that I struggled with before, with much better results.

I think that before I stopped playing, there was a sense of urgency (and
anxiety) that I had about everything relating to my clarinet playing. I
thought that quantity was the key. Now I am focusing more on quality and
balance. My practice sessions are very goal-oriented and I am taking time
to carefully re-work fundamental techniques, though my ensemble playing and
solo literature demand a lot of my attention as well. I don't feel the
sense of urgency now as much as I feel a sense of *purpose*. It works a
whole heck of a lot better if you ask me.

Nichelle Crocker
nichelle@-----.com

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