Klarinet Archive - Posting 001145.txt from 2003/04

From: "Forest E. Aten Jr." <forestaten@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Final Report on the Legere
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2003 00:48:01 -0400

Nancy,

Some things work or they don't. It often doesn't take months to determine
this.
Comparative analysis doesn't require that a player force or to "make"
something work better.

Don't assume that having piles of toys around will make a better musician.
I've seen the confusion associated with this mentality......even in
professionals that I work with. Players searching (often
aimlessly).....often neglecting to identify the real issues/problems in
their playing.

I think it's good to try new things. I've tried more than a few Legere reeds
several times and on several set-ups and on several different kinds of
clarinet(s). I've talked with peers about their observations and experiences
with Legere reeds......I haven't made any "quick" determinations regarding
Legere reeds.

Is this "narrow-minded"?

Forest

------------------------------------------

For the life of me, I cannot understand how folks can so quickly make a
determination about a piece of equipment in such a short amount of time.
They spend eons picking and choosing this brand of instrument over that one
and this brand reed or ligature over that one. Then they make blanket
statements about the products based on a one or two month trial. If the
makers of your favorite products had given up so easily on their development
of what it is that you profess to be the best, you might not have that very
equipment. As for me, I will continue to keep piles of toys in my studio
for my students to try. It will make better musicians out of them surely,
as they will be well-rounded in the knowledge of what's available for them
to use and less narrow-minded in the diversity of clarinet culture.

Nancy (now stepping down from the box)

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Klarinet is supported by Woodwind.Org, http://www.woodwind.org/