Klarinet Archive - Posting 000387.txt from 2003/11

From: "Dee D. Flint" <deehays@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] School instruments
Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 19:45:01 -0500

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jodi at EquineWeb Australia" <Jodi@-----.com>
Subject: [kl] School instruments

>
>
> > I wouldn't be too quick to assign "fault" anywhere. This kind
> > of thing is often strongly driven by budgetary concerns. If
> > budget is inadequate at the school (as it is all over the
> > U.S. these days) it *could* explain why repairs are being
> > sent to the shop with the lowest prices, the instruments are
> > being bought from large volume dealers who don't service
> > their instruments before shipping them, and a new instrument
> > is not automatically sent out for a check-up when it arrives.
> > Sometimes our students, especially those who are borrowing
>
> The thing is, schools don't want perfect instruments. Most of the students
> aren't playing good enough to appreciate a quality instrument (where I
went
> to school, most did not have any private lessons or anything similar, just
a
> group lesson from a woodwind teacher once a week and band practice once a
> week) and spending a lot on getting an instrument fixed by a reputable
> place, would be a waste of time and money.
>
> Jodi

If they are not going to maintain the instruments then it is a serious waste
of everyone's time and money to even bother having a band program. You
don't need a "quality" instrument just one that is in good condition. A
fifty year old Bundy that doesn't leak anywhere will do the job of allowing
students to learn. A brand new R13 that leaks like a sieve will discourage
a student and won't do anybody any good. They don't have to spend a lot of
money. They just have to spend what they have the right way.

Dee

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