Klarinet Archive - Posting 001254.txt from 2003/03

From: "Patricia A. Smith" <patricia@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] irresponsible teenagers
Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2003 07:27:21 -0500

Kenneth Wolman wrote:
> At 04:06 PM 3/24/2003 -0500, you wrote:
>
>> Who ever is telling you that you can't play it until you're 18 is wacko.
>> Staple all these emails together and give it to THAT adult. Paul
>
>
> Dear Rachel,
>
> Add one more to the pile. When the "responsible parties" see them, let
> them see this:
>
> To establish I know something about being a parent: I am the 59-year-old
> father of two sons, 21 and 24. The younger is an actor, writer, and
> musician who composes electronic/computer music but started out on the
> trumpet and marching baritone years ago, back in high school. If I had
> five dollars for every time something happened to something I purchased
> for one of them, musical or not, I could buy myself an island in the
> Caribbean and have myself declared President for Life. If I had a buck
> for the times Ben's valves had to be fixed on his trumpet or baritone
> because he played hell out of them, I could have that Rolex watch I
> never coveted anyway.
>
> Your clarinet got a scratch? This warrants a ban until you hit 18? I
> recall you saying you're 17. For all I know that's two weeks off: but
> any amount of time is too long to wait to have an injustice righted when
> someone's life is in their music. It isn't like you took a blade and
> slashed the thing. Accidents happen to musical instruments because they
> are part of the world of the player who is part of the real world. This
> episode doesn't deserve any kind of punitive action. To aim it at
> music, at your heart, is like putting a knife through it. Any musician
> would properly develop a resentment that would poison the domestic well
> for years. While I hope that does NOT happen, I can easily understand
> how it might.
>

And add me! Please, this is addressed to Rebecca's parents. I am not
only the parent of an 18 year old, who is a university freshman, I am
also a professional clarinetist (well, I was until I retired from the
U.S. Navy music program after fourteen years of service).

Accidents DO happen. And sometimes, you will get much worse than
scratches! 8-O

If you wish to discuss this with me, please e-mail me personally at
patricia@-----.net

Rebecca has contributed immensely to the serious discussion of music and
clarinet playing on this list. Certainly, I have encountered a number
of young folk who have done much worse (currently I substitute teach in
the local public schools for band, choir and general music, and will be
recertifying to teach music, K-12 in Virginia). As a parent, I
appreciate your concerns; however, she will continue to improve as a
player, and as a responsible young adult, if allowed to continue to play it.

Patricia A. Smith

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