Klarinet Archive - Posting 000204.txt from 2003/10

From: Gilbert Guerrero <gilster@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] [clarinet] reeds for beginners?
Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2003 10:19:00 -0400

Hi Christy,

The problem with what many are saying about the relative hardness of various
reeds (band director is insane, etc.) is that it doesn't take into account
the mouthpiece. If the mouthpiece is relatively closed, a 3 IS a pretty soft
reed and likely would be EASY to produce a tone with. Putting those 2 and
2-1/2's on there is REALLY a recipe for frustration in that many of those
newbies are going to be squeaking with them, as young tight embouchures
choke them off.

At least this was my experience as a newby, and why I ended up, fairly
rapidly, moving to a 4 and then back down to a 3-1/2 as my chops stabilized.

Just another thought.

Gil Guerrero

On 10/8/03 8:50, the Carbon unit named "Christy Erickson"
<perickso@-----.net> wrote:

> Our local band directors use Rico number 2 reeds for beginners, although I
> started my own daughter with VanDoren #2 in 5th grade.
> <SNIP>
> I can't imagine a beginner having to start
> with a VanDoren #3, unless of course the band director wants to cut down on
> the number of clarinet players. Most kids would simply get frustrated and
> give up on playing the clarinet with reeds in that strength. I would gently
> let the band director know that this VanDoren #3 requirement for beginners
> is insane, although I wouldn't quite put it that way.

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