Klarinet Archive - Posting 000250.txt from 2006/02

From: "Forest E Aten" <forestaten@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] The clarinet - Everywhere!
Date: Sat, 18 Feb 2006 10:47:48 -0500


As a follow up to all of those amateur clarinetist on this list like
myself, let me just say, we may have it better in some respects than
those that make a living at it. Those blessed with good careers and jobs
can afford to buy good equipment and have the time to indulge their
passion on the side. I was told by a very well respected clarinet
technician that some of the clarinets that I had were better than those
being played in the Chicago Symphony.
-------------------------
A "clarinet technician" is not necessarily a player...
Players in the Chicago Symphony orchestra can and do play what they
want...because they think what they choose/play is their best option.

I simply couldn't believe this,
but was told it was indeed true and was told you wouldn't believe what
some professionals are playing on.
--------------------------------
"true".....in what sense?

They just can't afford to go out and
buy a new clarinet or have a very expensive overhaul done on it.
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The gang in Chicago can buy whatever they want.

That may explain why so many of them end up as factory artists. They
probably have access to discounted equipment.
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I work often with Buffet and I do NOT have access to discounted equipment.
Maybe some players do....but not very many...indeed.

On another note, I am aware that in Germany at least, and someone please
correct me if I am wrong on this point, that most major orchestras pay
for yearly overhauls on instruments. Bernd Wurlitzer told me that every
summer when the Berlin Philharmonic is off that all the clarinetist send
their clarinets in for a full factory overhaul paid for by the
orchestra. Perhaps in the U.S. some orchestras will help subsidize the
cost of repairs, but I have no first hand knowledge of this practice.
--------------------------------
Man..that would be great...but I don't know of such programs in place (per
contract) in N. American orchestras.

Forest Aten
Clarinet
Dallas Opera

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