 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: jforsyth
Date: 2006-06-26 06:04
Good day BB'ers,
Quick disclaimer: sorry if this gets wordy, I like to be detailed in order to fully explain things...
I've FINALLY got my clarinet back (after deciding to have it professionally overhauled instead of attempting to self repair, the decision being made after finding a, or more correctly, THE guy to do so for a price I was able to afford- some NZ$400 cheaper than originally quoted!)!
The time I've spent rambling (voicing my excitedness) about my new found obsession with pals vs the time spent playing the thing since having it back in my hands in working condition, is oh-so-lop-sided; reason being: $'s.
I work full time, yes, but I am working these hours to aid in my debt reduction. Travel is expensive, I've done a lot more than I've should, and am now paying it off (aswell as the interest), so freeing money to spend on the clarinet, then to fund the repair of the instrument, is not a click of the fingers.
Time and distance and opening hours to/of places I need to visit (physically, not this BB, I do that from work (; ) are further hindering factors.
I do not have a car for example, hard to drive an hour and a half to get to the store to drop of the thing, then to collect once funds have again freed themselves for me to collect!
These are excuses for me not having started-a-tootin' earlier, or rather sooner since purchasing and I know this. IMO, they are legitimate ones for me.
I had given my flatmates (house mates, not sure what term is used in UK, nor the US) plenty of disclaimers about squarking and the like prior to getting to this stage (I collected it ready to play 2 days ago).
However, after having had a few hours to play around, getting some basic tunes using the 'scale' I can play (unsure of name, my various instruction books have yet to arrive through the post), next to no squarking, etc; basicallly very exciting and inspirational times for me; I leave a couple of my flat'<i>mates</i>' (who are in actual fact (IMO still at this stage -kidding-), good friends) and hear some rather disconcerting/unfounded/short opinions of my new found obsession.
By no means is this a deterrant to playing more and more and practice and etc, it has given me further drive to be succesful in obtaining what skill possible.
This post is basically to hear suggestions about places to practice.
Five of us all live together, all with varying schedules (4 students at 2 different art schools, and me, working), so I would choose to not irritate them all at once, or none of them at all where possible.
I consider the shed outside- I'd be frustrating the neighbours (4 of them on 3 sides of property) (+dark)
I consider the park- it's dark when I leave for work, it's dark when I leave work, how would I see/handle the winter chills/ensure my clarinet is not damaged by temperature.
I consider hiring a place to play- then I remember I cannot afford this.
I also consider this post slightly humorus, and should it result in no replies, mockery, or help (the latter which I have found to be the most prominent on this site);
I will continue to annoy everyone in the flat, grimicing through any shame that may become me, to aid my progression.
Thank you all in advance for any help that may come of this.
-J (in New Zealand)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: FDF
Date: 2006-06-26 06:31
No doubt, Jforsyth, you'll get some better ideas than this, but I say, "There's no place like home," where you have a legitimate right to practice. Notify your "mates" that you've considered all the alternatives and have only one choice, you must practice at home.
However, make your practice session a daily, fixed time generally agreed upon by all concerned, say, for instance, an hour after supper. Then everyone can expect to be "annoyed" or entertained at the same time and learn to live with it. I'd go for a time when everyone is home, so as to spread the pleasure equally. If any group can be tolerant of one's artistic pursuit, it should be a group of art students.
Enjoy your new found passion for playing the clarinet.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2006-06-26 16:56
In the U.S., "flat" usually signifies an apartment. Are you in an apartment or a house? If a house, is there a room somewhat removed (upper floor back or basement) where you could go and shut the door when you practice, perhaps when your flatmates (roommates in the U.S.) are watching TV? Or, if there is a university with a music school nearby, you might check to see if they leave their practice rooms open during the day.
If all else fails, in exchange for tolerance of your practicing you could offer to pose for your roomates -- but wait, is the world ready for "Nude with Clarinet." Perhaps not.
Best regards,
jnk
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bret Pimentel
Date: 2006-06-26 17:22
Are you near a music school, or a university with a music department? Here in the USA, at least, they frequently have hallways lined with little rooms built especially for practicing. They are usually open early and late hours, and are a good place to meet fellow musicians. The practice rooms are, of course, meant for the students, but I expect the worst that would happen is that you would be asked to leave...
Bret
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: D
Date: 2006-06-26 18:05
Actually you want to be careful on this one. I would expect where I live you would be trespassing and security would be called, followed by a bann from site.
However, a discussion in writing with the music faculty perhaps including you hiring a time slot for money might be possible depending on the Uni. As most Uni's are very short of space then this might be luck depending on where you live.
I vote for agreed and predictable practice hours. This worked one place I lived.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: D
Date: 2006-06-26 18:05
Failing that, move in with music students!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ClariTone
Date: 2006-06-26 20:23
Second the thought of notifying your flatmates as to when you will practice. Keep it regular, attempt not to deviate as this will provide stability and your flatmates will know when you will be practicing so as to not disturb you.
You could try a local university music department, but ask for permission first, don't just assume its okay. The worst that could happen is that they would say no.
You could also attempt to isolate yourself in your house. Your bedroom, Basement, Attic, Closet, Bathroom, Garage, etc.
Best of Luck and Happy Honking!!!
Clayton
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2006-06-26 21:15
Do people work late at your office? If not, or if there's a room well away from the night-owls, you could practice after everyone's gone, or perhaps get there early in the morning.
It's always a good idea to get to know the maintenance staff in your office. When you're nice to them, they will almost certainly reciprocate by letting you use a storage room. If the building has a cafeteria, you could probably practice there in the evening.
Do you belong to a church? They often have rooms that are not in constant use. Playing in the choir robing room, where the robes absorb the reverberation is a great way to develop your tone.
If you aren't a churchgoer, there may still be a local church that would let you use a room for a modest fee, or perhaps for washing dishes or sweeping up.
The possibilities are infinite. All it takes is a little exploring and a little friendliness.
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jforsyth
Date: 2006-06-26 21:47
Thanks everybody,
as expected, some great ideas in the mix here...
last night even with all the flatmates (in a house) there, i managed to steal away to my room and toot till my mouth cramped!
i really liked the idea of informing them of the set time i'd be practicing, that'll give me something solid to adhere to aswell as informing them of what is about to ensue!
much appreciated again
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: D
Date: 2006-06-27 11:17
Absolutely, you'll probably find if you miss a day they'll be asking you why you didn't practice!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
