Klarinet Archive - Posting 000627.txt from 1999/04

From: "Mark Charette" <charette@-----.org>
Subj: [kl] Now look what you've done!
Date: Wed, 14 Apr 1999 02:00:01 -0400

Back in December of 1995 I joined this merry band of clarinetists on
behalf of a then 14 year son, Steve. I didn't play the clarinet at all,
but needed some advice to see if I could help out my son, who seemed
pretty interested in the instrument. He sounded pretty reasonable for a
young student to my uneducated ears, and I wanted to help him out all I
could.

Well, one of the list participants around that time was Richard Hawkins,
who invited us up to Interlochen for a visit and audition. Interlochen
was a 4 or so hour drive from our house, so it wasn't too far, and we
took him up on his offer that April. Steve liked the school, the
atmosphere, and, most of all, Richard. Richard auditioned Steve and said
that with work he might be able to help him reach some of his musical
goals. Steve, my wife, and I decided that we'd give Interlochen a try
for a year.

It was a hard year; the playing level of the students is high, and
Steven went from 1st chair at his former high school to last chair at
Interlochen. I helped out as much as I could, with assistance from all
of you. If there were questions that he had and asked me because Richard
wasn't available, I'd relay them here and get good and reliable answers.
It really helped. Steve learned what hard work and practice _really_
meant in the world of music, and redoubled his efforts.

He spent the next two years at Interlochen; he's a senior up there right
now and has completed his auditions. They went very well (as I
accidentally posted). He (and we and Richard) have decided that he'll be
studying at Cleveland Institute of Music with Franklin Cohen next year.
There were reasons for choosing that particular school, but all of the
schools he auditioned for were fine schools and the auditioners very
accommodating (in case any of you younger students are apprehensive
about college auditions - don't be. Just be very prepared!).

I really feel that without the support of all the members of this list
that my son would not be in the position he is today; a great musical
background and a chance to study with a fine player and teacher for the
last 3 years and for who knows how many years into the future. Steve may
not ever become a household name, but it won't be from lack of support
from this group.

I thank all of you, my family thanks all of you, and most important
Steve thanks all of you.
----
Mark Charette@-----.org/clarinet
"Cards by Aimee", http://www.sneezy.org/Aimee
"The phenomenon is too variable for proper study" often
translates from "I don't know how to get musicians to do
anything twice the same" - A. H. Benade

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