 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: MusicMom
Date: 2004-08-12 18:30
I have a very enthusiastic new clarinetist on my hands now. After getting much very welcome advice from you all, we found a good used B12 in the local store (something of a miracle in this town), and thought for the $400 price difference between this and a new one, it was a good deal. DD will now play flute and piano, and learning the clarinet, hope to play one or two pieces in the band on clarinet as well.
She will need to practice lots and get somewhat proficient fairly quickly, so I need to have advice for a good basic book (with good tips, fingering charts et al.), and as to what other equipement we should have to start. I would like her to have a stand like she has for the flute, but am just concerned she might not clean it as well as when she has to take it apart. Also, we might need some cleaning equipment and a few spare reeds.
If she progresses well, I will consider getting a better mouthpiece in a few months, as one of you recommended earlier.
thanks again for all the help,
MM
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2004-08-12 18:44
Get a silk swab to clean it.
Also, get a box or two of reeds. She should have, say, a half dozen that she plays at any given time. Rotate them -- don't play the same one two days in a row. What kind of reeds is more up to her, but you could try buying singles of a few different brands and sizes to see what works.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: SGTClarinet_7
Date: 2004-08-12 18:59
I suggest the H.Klose Celebrated Method for the Clarinet, revised by Simeon Bellison. This is considered the "Bible" by some for the clarinet and it also has an extensive fingering guide in it. Make sure to get the Complete Edition. It should cost around $27, but it is WELL worth the investment!
Matthew
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-08-12 19:14
"...what basic clarinet stuff should I buy my daughter?..."
6 lessons with a qualified clarinet teacher, so she can get off to a correct start as to posture, embouchure, fingering, and a host of other beginner concerns.
If you do not continue lessons after the first few sessions, that is fine. You can always begin anew at a later date.
The group lessons offered in most beginning band programs are just that: "GROUP LESSONS".
Individual concerns are quite limited due to the time constraints of most school music programs.
Ask around for recommendations of qualified clarinet instructors. Try a few if necessary until your daughter feels comfortable with the rapport of the teacher.
All the lesson books and methodology via the internet can't replace a quality instructor ... GBK (retired public school music educator)
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Author: MusicMom
Date: 2004-08-12 19:55
Yes, that lesson bit is important. I believe that her band teacher (clarinet major) is going to give her a few lessons to get her started, then she will continue with band, working on flute and clarinet. Thanks for the reply.
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Author: msroboto
Date: 2004-08-12 20:16
If you get the H.Klose Celebrated Method for the Clarinet, revised by Simeon Bellison it is rather large and difficult to work with on the music stand.
So here's what I did to mine as soon as I got it.
I went to Kinko's and had them sprirl bind it into 2 books. There is a second contents page around page 122. I had it split there. Just make sure they are careful to get the fingering chart in there.
So now I have two books that can lie flat on the music stand. It cost under $10.00 to modify and has been well worth it.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2004-08-12 21:24
What a lucky girl to have such a supportive mother. Best wishes.
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Author: hans
Date: 2004-08-12 22:01
MusicMom,
Looking at what I have in my clarinet case, here is IMO "what other equipment we should have to start".....
"Can't do without":
A folding stand that fits neatly inside the barrel (laying a clarinet across a chair, etc. is a recipe for disaster)
A good lint-free swab (one that won't hang up on the register tube)
A plastic reed case (holds two reeds, lets them dry without warping)
A box of reeds
A tube of cork grease
Optional and useful:
A few band-aids
A small screw driver (with instructions not to over-tighten)
A small, round, soft brush to clean out toneholes if/when necessary
A pencil, some "post-it" notes
Key oiler (Lee Valley has a very nice one for <$10)
In addition, you could visit Dr. Henderson's web site where he lists many interesting and useful items.
Regards,
Hans
Post Edited (2004-08-12 22:03)
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2004-08-13 01:23
I think Klose is great, but NOT for a rank beginner. I guess I missed your earlier posts, Music Mom, but I'd start her in something like Rubank or any one of the good beginning band books that are out there (Standards of Excellence, Accent on Achievement, Clarinet Student).
Katrina
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Author: hans
Date: 2004-08-13 02:32
Sheila,
The bandaids are for the irritated spot that sometimes develops on my right thumb.
regards,
Hans
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2004-08-13 03:11
MusicMom wrote:
"I will consider getting a better mouthpiece in a few months"
I'm amazed nobody has already commented on this. Usual advice is to get a good mouthpiece on day one. Especially for Buffet clarinets, which are supplied with mouthpieces that few people seem to like. And bear in mind that reeds that work on one mouthpiece may not work on another.
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: Meri
Date: 2004-08-14 23:57
Hi, Musicmom, from a fellow Canadian. I strongly recommend that you get a good quality mouthpiece from the start--it makes a big difference for some students. Clarke W. Fobes in CA is really good, I like them for my student mouthpieces. Until I upgraded to an M15 a little more than a month ago, I played the Fobes Debut.
You could also try Tom Dowling, a Canadian who makes mouthpieces, actually lives minutes away from me in Toronto.
For clarinet stuff, try Peter Spriggs in BC. He's got a catalogue you can request from him.
Meri
"There is a difference between being flat and sounding in tune, and being in tune but sounding flat. The first I can live with; the second I cannot."
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