Klarinet Archive - Posting 000318.txt from 2003/08

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Spozed Wars
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2003 11:45:51 -0400

In a message dated 8/12/2003 3:33:38 AM Eastern Daylight Time, tony_pay@-----.uk writes:

> Which American President was it who said, "Well, we're going to try this, and see if it works; and if it doesn't work, why, we'll try something else."?>>

In my view of the world, this is the only way, short of "happy accident" that progress can be made.

If we only duplicate what the great craftsmen and players of the past have done before us, can we ever progress? In fact, isn't the the prescription for sterile stagnation?
>
Tony continues:<< It's WE who say that you ain't SPOZED to think like that, because of what I called the 'lure of certainty'. But in a complex world, in any one of a variety of circumstances, it may be our only hope.>>

I was this person. I played this reed because so-and-so did. I played "this" mouthpiece, because someone else did. When I studied with Shifrin, I tried to copy his setup.

Well, guess what I found out - finally? I had to come up with a setup that WORKED for ME.....not for someone else. Other than pointing out a possible direction, it's irrelevant that some great player "always" uses a particular technique, or piece of equipment. What's important - is what works for me.

Tony finishes:<< And we can surely be willing to understand the virtues of being flexible in teaching and learning to play the clarinet.>>

If we don't, we run the risk of short changing ourselves, our students, and our audiences.

Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com

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