Klarinet Archive - Posting 000679.txt from 2004/10

From: "Patricia A. Smith" <arlyss1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] RE: klarinet Digest 22 Oct 2004 08:14:59 -0000 Issue 5597
Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2004 16:33:31 -0400

Adam Michlin wrote:

> Consider most students do not know there are various strengths of
> reeds or more than one brand. Look at their terrible posture. Realize
> most of them have never heard the Mozart Clarinet Concerto (even in
> the good programs!)....The good programs exist, but they are
> isolated...I had 7 band directors in 8 years of band in New Jersey and
> California (mostly California) and I was the above student. The one
> thing I will not apologize for is trying to come up with ways to
> prevent kids from growing up with the musical ignorance I grew up
> with. Oh yeah, I went to a performing arts high school.
>
Adam,

Something I just had to bring up also, is that most of the time,
teachers teach to their strengths. It never ceases to amaze me these
days just how many band directors are trumpet player or percussionists,
with the stray trombone player thrown in for fun. I have seen few to no
hs band directors who play clarinet. This might be something people
want to look at as well.

I think sometimes, it's easy for all of us to lose sight of the way
things are outside our own area/instrument/whatever of expertise. I'd
even venture to say most of us probably find a corner we're comfortable
in, and view the world from that perspective. I know that in searching
for a decent performing arts school for my son, who dances and is into
singing and drama, as well as the visual arts, I will have some serious
homework to do. Not all performing arts schools are created equal;
neither are all teachers or band directors created equal. I think you
make a good point here (even if I don't like K622 with a beat! ;-) I
will say this - most of us, at one time or another, NEEDED A BEAT when
we practiced the doggone thing! Vive la metronomie! :D

Patricia Smith

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