Klarinet Archive - Posting 000682.txt from 2002/03

From: Daniel Paprocki <danbascl@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] bifocals in the orchestra
Date: Sat, 23 Mar 2002 13:33:52 -0500

Here's my problem. I have had cataract surgery on both of my eyes. Both
eyes are now at a fixed focus of about 3-4 feet for music. For distance I
use glasses but then can not see music or do reading. My last surgery was a
month ago and last week I had my first orchestra performance with my new
vision restrictions. With no glasses I could read the music fine and could
see the beat pattern of the conductor but not super sharp. I would like to
have both music and conductor in focus. I'm now trying progressive lenses
but I think the music distance is too narrow and you have to continually
move your head to keep the music in focus - this won't work with playing
bass clarinet. For my orchestra work (Indianapolis Symphony and Evansville
Philharmonic) I need absolute sharpness in my music.
Also when I teach I need the 4 to 6 foot range in focus for reading the
students music. Does anyone have similar problems and have any ideas on
solutions. I've already checked the klarinet list archives and have read
those responses.

Thanks,

Dan
--
Dr. Daniel A. Paprocki
Professor of Clarinet and Saxophone
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky

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