 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: CharmOne
Date: 2003-04-09 21:47
The other day I had a friend who played the clarinet and had a few months of experience. He seems to have all the basics down and takes a class to get better with his instrument. He feels strongly commited to his instrument and quoted that he wanted to pursue to major in music for the future. But, I felt he wasn't ready because he had a year left in H.S. But I don't know..... Can anyone explain? Please??? ![[frown]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie2.gif)
Post Edited (2003-04-09 22:49)
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2003-04-09 23:03
Certainly not too late if gifted. There's a working concert pianist (name escapes me) that started piano in either late teens or early twenties. Definately not the norm, but you can never tell ...
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Author: jenna
Date: 2003-04-09 23:19
Anything is possible, and not everyone who chooses to major in music necessarily means to become a renowned professional. A close friend of mine started drumming a couple years ago and now she is doing great, as a music major. She wants to be a teacher, and play on the side just in amateur settings. She loves music and understands she is not the best, but she wants to learn and its a passion so she goes for it.
jenna
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2003-04-09 23:37
Technical proficiency is less important than connecting with an audience.
Discourage your friend at your own risk.
Pursuit of clarinet as a performance major is a long shot, regardless...
the clarinet is a proper foundation for the sax family and may open doors.
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Author: Tom Piercy
Date: 2003-04-09 23:54
No, in general, it's not too late to start. For this person specifically - who knows at this point.
Case in point: The pianist Judith Olson, with whom I regularly perform and record, started out as a violinist and switched to piano in her late teens. After a few years she was a student at Juillard, and by her mid twenties had made a recording with Stanley Drucker as well as many others. She has continued for many years a successful career.
Tom Piercy
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-04-10 03:08
Nope. Never too late. As a matter of fact, I think he's ahead of the game compared to those who discover the joy of the clarinet later in life (think of all the posts we've seen here about 50+ people who regret not continuing after high school!) He will never regret it. Cause he will continue.
As for going pro, who knows if this will happen? With enough determination, I see no reason why he couldn't. I always thought people should major/pursue what they love. Cause otherwise they'll end up in a fallback plan and sit back and think every day, "What if . . . . "
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Wayne Thompson
Date: 2003-04-10 15:40
No, No, No, a thousand times no.. It is NOT too late. Everyone above said this; I will say further that now is exactly the Right time to start following dreams. I'm 55. From this perspective, high school is not late, it is on time. There are thousands of ways that music will help him be a great human being.
The important thing about being young and making career choices, in my opinion, is not to make the perfect choice (which is an absurd idea anyway) but to make some choice and to work hard at it. There is real danger in worrying about choosing the right path and never making any choice. Many people fall in this trap and you meet them in middle age and they can be really sad people.
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Author: monique
Date: 2003-04-11 05:16
NOT too late!
I grew up in war time Europe, too poor to even dream of learning an instrument. Two years ago I took the plunge and picked up the clarinet, I enjoy every small accomplishment, no matter how slow the progress, but I wish my fingers would have better agility and my eye/hand coordination be faster, at 65, it is an uphill battle. Lucky people who start when still young!!p
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Author: Ron Jr.
Date: 2003-04-11 14:52
If one's goal is to play the clarinet and get enjoyment out of it, then that is surely admirable. It is never too late to learn the clarinet to be able to play at a level of self-satisfaction and enjoyment. Unquestionably, one can start out very late in life and attain a good level of enjoyment.
Good luck,
Ron Jr.
Post Edited (2006-03-06 16:59)
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Author: Domingo
Date: 2003-04-11 15:17
I starded playing in the middle of my freshmen year. Now, a junior, I have improved very much. In my sophmore year, I surpassed many expectations, especially by my band director, who said Id be lucky if I even learn to play good enough for the lowest band in my High School. Well, today, im top chair, top band, gone to area/state as well. Its never too late for anything. A freind of mine learned piano at 48. He is currently pursuing a BS in piano. He is plays quite well.
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Author: susiem
Date: 2003-04-11 17:07
CharmOne,
I just re-read your original post...
You said : " I felt he wasn't ready because he had a year left in H.S."
It occured to me that I wasn't really sure what you were wondering about....
whether your friend was starting too late....
or if he shouldn't be making a decision about his future with a year left in high school?
Your friend must be around 16... that can't be too late to start..and the posts from most people seem to agree... but was that your question?
Susie
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