 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: CharmOne
Date: 2003-07-04 21:05
I see most musicians who in their ninties were instruments like gutiar and other strings, but what about the winds? Is it possible to still play???
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2003-07-04 21:34
If the Lord tarries, and I get there, I will tell you.
Bob A
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2003-07-04 23:26
I am about 50 years shy of the mark. I know of plenty of guys still doing professional gigs well into their 70's. I suppose it depends on your physical and mental health although playing the clarinet at that age would probably lead to a decline in mental health especially if you have been doing it for 75 years or longer.
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Author: Henry
Date: 2003-07-04 23:37
Mark: You say that "playing the clarinet at that age (70's) would probably lead to a decline in mental health". What is your evidence for that???? I'm not there yet but are you suggesting that anyone in his 70s should stop playing? Don't let Don Berger know!!!!
Henry
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2003-07-04 23:39
Hi,
There are two gentlemen that sit behind me in community band. One is mid-70s and the other is about 92.
The main problem IMHO is their hearing. Both don't always blend well with the section and at times the 92 year old has a really terrible tone (worse than any beginner's sound). The younger player seems to manage the technical matters in an OK manner though and really contributes when he gets the dynamics under control.
Unfortunately, the older player often falls on rests, misses entrances and cut-offs, etc. I do not know about his original musicanship so I can not tell whether his problems are age-related or were faulty from the beginning. However, it is pretty cool to see him shuffle in with his R13, grab a chair and stand from another section, and prepare to play (although his MP is really covered with calcium deposits and needs a good Doctor Product treatment).
I hope I know when it is time to finally retire (I keep doing it but continue to un-retire every so often), stop driving, and end my playing days.
HRL
Post Edited (2003-07-05 16:35)
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2003-07-05 00:04
Lets all consider:
Buddy DeFranco
Tony Scott
Al Gallodoro
Stanley Drucker
All very much alive and playing well.
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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Author: Avie
Date: 2003-07-05 02:06
You mean that the clarinet would be anything but a good mental and physical workout? I guess I have been under the wrong impression for 60 years. It probably was meant differantly than it was written. If not, please enlighten me.
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Author: wyatt
Date: 2003-07-05 02:10
90 is a number.....nothing else. i know people in thier 20's and 30's who can't play with a lick.
if you want to keep playing at any age
1. take care of your health
2. don't smoke
3. buy a good horn. it is hard to play without one.
peace
see you in 4 days.ô
bob gardner}ÜJ
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Author: Susan
Date: 2003-07-05 03:44
Himie Voxman turned 90 last fall, and is still teaching and playing in his local community band. If I ever reach his age, I hope I play so well!
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Author: Wes
Date: 2003-07-05 05:51
Victor Zolo, trumpet player, conductor, and arranger, played trumpet into his late nineties although not so great at the later days. He stopped playing in his late nineties and continued with an interest in music until he died at 101. The Callichio company gave him a new trumpet on his 100th birthday at a party at Local 47.
The legendary Ben Kanter played quite well on flute, clarinet, and alto sax until he got a brain tumor at 92. Even though it was successfully removed, he lasted less than a year more.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2003-07-05 13:58
Age only presents some new opportunities.....although I do have some problems with my wind at times
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2003-07-05 14:06
Gosh and gee whiz, Henry, I'm having to "pause before opening mouth" [have heard its always a good idee] . At this time, I'm resting-up from last evening's gig 50 miles away , temps in the 90's, humid, a real "sweater". I believe I played better at our band's Thurs eve rehearsal, no gentle breeze nor sun in my eyes, then! I did, tho, notice some less-than-perfect sounds from some of our "best". IMVHO, age DOES take its toll, however, re: seeing, hearing, also in stamina and patience!! I have begun suggesting to some of our cl'ists, that they renew acquaintance with the bass cl, to the point of loaning/giving?? a horn and a bit of "suggestion", I'm NOT a teacher, tho! My plan then is to retreat to my alto cl, and not be heard [much] on those beautiful "bottom-of-the-chord" notes, when, at times, I feel I'm suggesting to the tubas how to play it!! One of our better Fr Hornists, sitting in front of me, did compliment me on tone quality [not technique, tho], likely due to a good crystal mp and good,soft reed! Mark, since self-promotion is a SIN, PLEASE delete some or all of this wordy [garr---, I must look it up] ?missive? . Still FUN, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: William
Date: 2003-07-05 14:53
Right on, Hank and Don. It is really about physical health, attitude and stamina--if you maintain those qualities of life, anything is possible. And keep posted Mark P, I'll be able to let you know in only 30 years. Growing old isn't for sissies--you've got to earn it!!!!
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2003-07-05 18:23
You want to see "geezer power" at work? It's not just a question of "how soon oldt, how late schmart." Go back up to diz's thread "clarinet oddity" for some real geeezer power. Some of these these brains may be in a older container but, by God, they are still active and productive. I don't know where we would be on this BB without the brain power and knowledge of these gents (I say gents cause none of our lady genius's would EVER admit to their ages)![[grin]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie5.gif) . Boy, I just can't wait for GBK to get as old as Don Berger. Heh! Heh!
Bob A
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2003-07-05 20:30
Bob A, thanx, I guess! As said in the "Do it yourself repair" thread, may I join you as a BBoard "character" please? Let's not rush GBK along tho, any one year of life is precious, even though we might consider that its a greater percentage to him than to us. Today's stray thoughts! Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-07-05 22:35
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, it wastes your time and it irritates the pig." ...GBK
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Author: andreak
Date: 2003-07-07 13:50
Our community band is a mix of all ages, including 2 clarinet players over 85.
The gentleman I sit nearest to is a retired minister and an excellent musician who has lost some tone and volume. He does, however, make comments that make me go look something up (about the history of a piece, or any number of things....), and I'm pleased to say he's usually right on the mark. He's also very good with complicated rhythms and will play a part correctly but not up to volume. He doesn't hear well if there is a lot of background chatter, but has been known to put a complainer in their place with a "let's play!". His stand mate makes sure he doesn't miss any important details and keeps their music in order.
He absolutely makes a positive contribution to our group!
Andrea
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Author: Ron Jr.
Date: 2003-07-07 14:40
I would certainly say that playing any wind instrument is physically more taxing than playing a violin or piano for example. I pianist and violinist would be able to play with a cold but the clarinetist would have a much harder time. And certainly the pianist can play with a canker sore or clogged lungs because of allergies and not have it be an issue.
At the gym there are charts on the wall showing maximum heart rates for different age groups. People at 20 have the highest possible maximum heart rates. Then the maximum heart rate drops steadily as one ages. However, with moderate regular excercise, one can slow down this inexorable decline.
So I would argue that as long as one is physically robust so that their playing is not impaired or limited, and they can to bring musicanship to the music then they can play at almost any age.
Take care,
Ron Jr.
Post Edited (2006-03-06 17:05)
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Author: Tim P
Date: 2003-07-07 19:24
I know a guy in his ninties that plays the trombone in a band called "The Grandpa Jammers". They are good. He does sit down and play from time to time. They have a small but respectful back log of gigs to go to. He also drives to and from the gigs himself. A truly amaing and interesting person. He knows stuff about Delaware that the history books don't or won't print.
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