Klarinet Archive - Posting 000262.txt from 2003/10

From: "Buckman, Nancy" <nebuckman@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: [kl] [clarinet] reeds for beginners?
Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2003 10:22:13 -0400

In my mind, the mouthpiece/barrel thing is a waste of time.=20
> Nancy (fire-proof suit on)

I honestly think you'll have to take this up with Randy, since this is=20
his method, not mine. :-)
Sue

Sweet Sue,

You are right, this is Randy's issue. I was just picking on you because =
you sort of defended him. And he has every right to choose how he =
teaches his kids. I agree with Christy's message below though. The =
whole point of musical study is to express "oneself", not be one of many =
automatons, who are all alike. Even though my new kids start on a =
Legere, after they can take care of their equipment pretty well =
(sometime after the first three months usually), they are free to try =
any of the cane reeds on the shelf in my waiting area. The reed box =
sits above the basket of toys and next to the tray with the disassembled =
clarinet. Variety is the spice of life and even kids can appreciate a =
little spice. And I really think having these things available makes =
them want to return every week and practice more at home. There are =
things to experiment with. I have very few missed lessons.

Nancy

Nancy E. Buckman, CPO, AFO, Technical Assistant
School of Health Professions, Wellness and Physical Education
Anne Arundel Community College
Arnold, MD 21012-1895 USA
Phone 410-777-2316 Fax 410-777-2233
E-mail nebuckman@-----.edu

-----Original Message-----
From: Christy Erickson [mailto:perickso@-----.net]
Subject: RE: [kl] [clarinet] reeds for beginners?

Sue, I think you're right. I guess my point though is, that "one size =
does
not fit all" for every student. I may enjoy doing things a certain way =
but
my students want to learn things their way. It just seems rather rigid =
to
tell every student they must start with a certain reed strength or =
brand. I
think it's better to give them some guidelines and allow them to choose,
based on what helps them be successful. The students and parents need =
to be
given some information about reeds Too often, the band directors and =
the
music store get together and decide what the students "must" have. If =
the
music store happens to be stocking only Rico or VanDoren reeds, or =
whatever
brand they make the most profit on, that's what the kids get if they =
have
not been given any other choices. If the students are given the =
impression
that this is the only "right" way to do it and it doesn't work for them,
they end up feeling discouraged. There is so much variation in growth =
and
development among any group of kids that it seems unfair to expect them =
all
to be able to do the same thing. =20

Christy=20

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