 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ns2005
Date: 2004-07-29 02:01
Hello all,
I played the clarinet for 4 years in junior high and high school, and quit when the school required us to play in the marching band or quit the music program. I wanted to be in the school orchestra, but they wouldn't see it that way.
Anyway, that was about 8 years ago, and I've recently decided to get back into it. I've missed the sound, and the sensual sound of George Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue' made me remember what I was missing.
I'd like to hear any recommedations anyone might have for a 23-year old who wants to play again! I know I've forgotten a lot in 8 years, but I'm very willing to relearn.
Thanks!
David
Post Edited (2004-07-29 02:04)
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Author: William
Date: 2004-07-29 02:26
Just wondering, where did you hear that "sensual" sound? If it was July 2nd, in Janesville, WI. or July 4th, in Beloit, it may have been my sound that you heard playing the famous solo intro to "R in B" with the BJSO. Nevertheless, it is good to have you "back in the section" with the rest of us clarinetists. Visit often with your questions or comments.
Post Edited (2004-07-29 16:28)
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Author: theclarinetist
Date: 2004-07-29 02:36
Get a good teacher. You might consider enrolling in clarinet lessons at a local community college. There are numerous advantages to this.
Community colleges are cheap and you get a lot for your money. My college has no music department, so I take clarinet lessons at a local comm. college. For a few hundred bucks, I get a whole semester of lessons with a professional orchestral clarinetist. I also get a free accompanist and recital hall to put on recitals (most 4 year music schools require to you pay your accompanist out of pocket and rent the recital hall if you want to perform). Additionally, community colleges are geared more towards musicians of all skill levels. The college I take music lessons at has a band and clarinet choir which is open to people of many skill levels (compared to 4 year schools which tend to be quite competitive).
Obviously, each school is different, but judging from my experience, a community college can offer a qualified teacher and many performance opportunities that you wouldn't get with just a private teacher. It is much easier to be motivated when you have performance opportunities.
If you go to church, many churches have orchestras that play at services made up of church-members, and they tend to be accomodating of a variety of skill levels (from my experience).
The obvious things include practicing and what not... but have actually places to play and people to motivate you will probably play an important part in getting back into the swing of things...
DH
theclarinetist@yahoo.com
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2004-07-29 16:22
Lots of us who are reading your post are returneees after many years of not playing. Lessons are definitely in order, and having a goal is vital to keep up your interest. Goals can be things like: progressing through exams, whatever's available in your area; playing with a community band or with a clarinet choir. One suggestion is to aim a little lower than you'd think, to pick up on lost skills and to fill in the gaps. Whatever gap isn't filled in now will cost you later on when you least expect it.
What short-sighted persons those are who expect everyone to play in marching band! My school required that as well, but I got an exception. With the extra time I caught up on orchestral pieces, etc. etc., and when the time came for auditions I was miles ahead and landed a spot in the 1st clarinet section. Musicianship should be the goal, not the football field.
Have fun, and for sure you'll do very well!
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2004-07-30 13:38
Anticipate frustration when you start up - you will remember the ease with which once you played... when you were playing every day.
Long tones to warm up.
The David Hite book for rhtym exercises.
Join a community band (there's ALWAYS room) and be consistent.
*********
Your instrument may need some attention - been in a closet 8 years?
Make sure that it is in proper order, and don't wait for service, as the school kids will eat up repair bench time - SOON.
Buy the best quality reeds at a comfortable strength. It shouldn't be a struggle to play most notes.
I like the Legere synthetic reed. It eliminates one of the major frustration sources when you begin again - they're very consistent.
Clean your mouthpiece. If the mouthpiece feels rough on the playing surfaces, find a good starter.
I like the Vandoren M30, but it may be a little demanding at first.
********
If you need a horn - drop Dave Spiegelthal a line.
Don't (for pity's sake) drop a fortune into clarinets for a year!
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Author: ron b
Date: 2004-07-31 04:29
Indeed, many folks here identify with your present situation, David. And, while I have no additional advice to offer, I can wish you a happy return to music-making. A lot of us who visit here are on our second, third (or more) go at it. The advice already given is very good with some good reminders for all of us, at whatever stage of development or RE-development we may find ourselves, to keep at it. It will come back. Best wishes to you! 
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
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Author: Rick Williams
Date: 2004-07-31 15:22
Welcome to the International Association of Clarinetist Rethreads...g
I agree with everything said, particularly the lesson part. Saves lots of time getting back up to speed. It's also nice if you can hook up with a local community band after you a bit back in form.
Best
Rick
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Author: WoodIsGood
Date: 2004-07-31 17:25
David:
What you will find after a few days of practice is that you will play better and with more maturity than you did when you were in school.
I dropped the flute at your age and returned to music at the age of sixty-five, by buying an R-13 clarinet and teaching myself beginning with the Rubank series. It's great fun. The first six months were frustrating. After that I quickly caught up and passed what I was in college. First flute in the Purdue band and orchestra. I play in two outstanding adult bands.
I highly recommend the clarinet. It's like growing up with a Miata and then strapping on a Ferrari. Besides, there are more band chairs for clarinets.
Go for it.
Mike
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Author: Carol Dutcher
Date: 2004-08-01 18:56
I started playing again about five years ago. It seemed like it took forever for me to get my "breath" back. 15 minutes of playing and 15 minutes of huffing and puffing! But now, I can play for a whole gig without getting winded. The more I practice, the faster my fingers move. I had to start with a low reed strength also. This has changed somewhat. I had to get my clarinet overhauled too. Closets are not clarinet friendly.
So, it takes awhile but it is well worth the effort. Good luck and keep tootin.
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