Klarinet Archive - Posting 000132.txt from 2002/04

From: "Patricia Alison Smith" <pattiesmith@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] A few newbie questions (long)
Date: Wed, 3 Apr 2002 10:35:59 -0500

Terry, you know what?

It sounds as if YOU have caught the clarinet bug from your daughter!

I would not worry too much about whether or not she wants to major in music
in college at this point. I WOULD begin to save some money in a savings
account just in case she does, so you won't be caught unawares when the time
comes to upgrade to a better level clarinet. Don't worry too much about
buying a set of two clarinets, etc. If she does get really serious about
clarinet, I'd suggest a youth orchestra BEFORE college, and there are used A
clarinets out there for much less than you would pay for a new one. I would
not suggest a brand new horn before college, to be truthful, unless you are
fairly well off. I do not, of course, presume to make your decision for
you; I simply am aware of the expense involved, and would not want you to
buy something unless your daughter is well on the way to a career in music.

One thing to be aware of - there are many careers she could have in music
besides performing. Teaching, of course, is another possibility. Music
therapy is also a growing field. Music business is quite the thing these
days - in many urban and suburban areas there is a large enough population
to support more than one music store.

Now, for the clincher - why don't YOU learn how to play clarinet? Yes, sir,
YOU sir!
I know, I sound like Dr. Seuss! However, I am entirely serious. Not only
do adults make fine learners, this would be an excellent way for you to not
only spend more time getting to know more first hand about something that
interests your daughter, but it would be a fun hobby for you as well as a
way to let off some steam! Plenty of adults need a way to "vent" after a
long frustrating day at the office or out in the field or wherever they
work, and they often find tooting on a horn to be just the thing.

Since your daughter seems to be a quick study, perhaps she might get YOU
started on the basics. And maybe, she might be ready to upgrade to an
intermediate level horn, and you could take over the plastic Bundy, Vito, or
whatever. If not, why not pick up a clarinet at a pawn shop? Perhaps your
daughter's teacher could help you pick out one that is in good working
order. I have been known to go with prospective students to the local
shoppes and play on a few of them and pick out the ones that play so the
students can get started. This works well for folks who are serious and
don't want to rent.

As far as mouthpieces, reeds, etc:

I suggest the Clark Fobes "Debut" though there are also other fine beginner
mouthpieces. The Debut is priced very reasonably (I think you probably have
noticed already that I am a teacher for those on a budget! I suppose it is
because I myself am of very limited means and have to really pinch my
pennies!) and its sound is very smooth throughout all the registers.

Reeds: many folks use Vandorens, but I do NOT suggest them for beginners.
Way too inconsistent. I suggest LaVoz medium soft, or Rico Grand Concerts
2's or Mitchell Lurie 2's (the Gold Box regulars). Any of these three brands
will do ok to start. Normally adults will not take as soft a reed as a
child, though if there is an asthma or other respiratory ailment, then that
has to be taken into account.

Ligature - a regular or inverted Bonade will do just fine, and is reasonably
priced. If you want, however, you can get a Rovner. However, I do not
think it really matters.

Anyway, whatever you decide to do, best of luck to you and your family. You
sound like a wonderful dad!

Patricia A. Smith
pattiesmith@-----.net
"I am so insecure that I went on jury duty and was sent home because I
kept finding myself guilty." - Dan Leeson

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