 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2011-10-30 03:23
Ive always wanted to teach clarinet and even though I have a little experience - it was really too long ago to count. My friends daughter is in 5th grade and just started band. I offered to give her lessons for free. The family doesnt have a lot of money and I just want the experience.
I was completely disgusted when I saw the condition of the clarinet the school is renting this little girl. A pro couldnt play it never mind a beginner. It was literally falling apart before my eyes. Upper joint had partial cork the rest was loose and ripped. dried out pads were falling out. It was so out of tune it was a half step sharp. The school is renting this for $35 for the year. I'm sure the family thought they were getting a good deal.
And I dont know WHAT they have been teaching this kid. Not much as far as I could tell. I can see why kids give up after a couple months.
So, now I'm on a mission to try and find a cheap student horn for this kid. I know the family cant afford it. I cant really either but I wont have this kid trying to play on that CSO.
Ive checked craigslist. I'm trying to find local so I can go test it. But not coming up with much. Dont want to get from ebay. Any other ideas?
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2011-10-30 04:40
How about taking the clarinet to the school's music department, pointing out its problems and asking for them to have it repaired or give the child a different one (maybe let you pick one out for her if they have some others).
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2011-10-30 05:14
Do you know how to do basic repairs? When I taught in public schools, most of my students used school instruments, and I quickly learned how to do basic repadding and recorking. If you don't feel that you can do it, do you know anyone who can?
If you decide to buy her a clarinet, there are a lot of good used Vitos out there for very reasonable prices.
I can understand your frustration about this girl's lack of a good music education. It's possible that she's in a large beginning band class, receiving minimal personal attention.
It's not good, but it's very common. When I get these kids for prvate lessons, I often have to work on fixing lots of bad habits. I don't blame the band teachers in most of these situations. They have so much to do, but they often have limited time and limited resources to get the job done properly.
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2011-10-30 14:05
At only $35 a year, the initial cost is low enough that it might be worthwhile to have the important issues repaired. If you're willing to help with the cost, you could pick up whatever the parents can't. The school district might even pick up some of the cost if the teacher knows the student's parents are interested enough to get her private lessons. Maybe they (or you) could even negotiate with the school district to buy it, but even if it needs to be returned at the end of the year, you may end up with an effective rental rate (including to repair cost) lower than the going rates at commercial music outlets. If she continues beyond the year and re-rents for a second year, it will come out much cheaper than having rented from a music store. Meanwhile, it provides for lots of time to look for a clarinet to buy (check yard sales, for sale ads, etc.) or even find someone who will donate it to your friend's daughter as is at no charge.
Karl
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2011-11-11 20:28
I got my student a nice used Yamaha 20 from Craigslist for $80. work great. i'm excited to give it to her tomorrow.
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