The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-12-02 01:48
And boy does that really put me in a bind. I had figured that it was going to be abroad, but I didn't think it was Japan. The reason it puts me in a bind is because I was going to save up and take a trip down to woodwind brasswind this spring and pick out an A clarinet (or maybe a set, depending on how much I saved).
But on the other hand, I've never been to a clarinetfest, and I've wanted to visit Japan for about . . . I'd say about 8 years. It's just one of those places I've always wanted to visit.
So now I have to figure out whether to save up for a clarinet, or go to a clarinetfest in a place I've always wanted to visit.
The only hope I have now is that my vacation time isn't available during the week of clarinetfest in which case the decision will have been made through my employer. Otherwise it's gonna be a ROUGH choice . . .
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-12-02 02:19
Jimmy Zhong wrote:
> Well, you could always flip a coin
It could very well come to that if both options are still open as time draws nearer . . . of course it'd HAVE to be best two out of three . . .
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Bani
Date: 2004-12-02 03:59
I'd suggest you go to Japan. You can always save up for that A cl again next year but it's unlikely Clarinetfest would be in the "Land of the Rising Sun" again for many years (perhaps not even in this lifetime unless you live to be a hundred).
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Author: claclaws
Date: 2004-12-02 04:16
sfalexi,
You sound like you're in a happy dilemma, so to speak?
Choosing between A cla and clarinetfest..but dilemma it is, though.
Will that be in Tokyo, if my memories are correct?
Hmmm..For me it's a MUCH better location than the US in terms of travel expense..but I'll also have to decide whether to sacrifice my holidays and what little savings I have..
Lucy Lee Jang
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Author: jack
Date: 2004-12-02 05:50
Bet you could pick out an excellent Yamaha A clarinet and maybe at a bargain price.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2004-12-02 06:29
I also suggest you go to the clarinetfest in Japan. You can always get a cheaper A clarinet or save for a new one later. If going to Japan is something you really want to do, then combining that with a clarinet festival is even better!
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-12-02 13:27
lol. Nice one Jack! Didn't even think that yamaha clarinets very well could be in plenty over there. And with the exchange rate it may work out favourably . . .
I guess I'll put in my prospective vacation for that week and hope I get it.
And if I do get it, and get to go, I'll just PRAY that they don't decide this year to make the big thing an A-clarinet choir . . . !
Here's to hoping that I'll be meeting and not recognizing some of you in the summer! [cheers]
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Brian Peterson
Date: 2004-12-02 14:05
Info. for the high school and young artists' competitions are on the Clarinet.org website, but the Orchestral Audition info. is from last year.
Does anyone know if that means there is no OA competition planned for 2005?
BP
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Author: William
Date: 2004-12-02 14:19
My advice, invest your money in a new set of clarinets. Then, practice a little and earn an invitation to perform at the next Clarfest--and perhaps many more after that. My daughter spent a summer in Japan as an invernational student--when in high school--and loved it. However, if money is the issue, I just think that it is better spent on something that will give lasting pleasure--not to mention, income--rather than a trip that, when its over, its really over. Sorry to put a damper on the enriching merits of international travel, but I guess the practical side of me got out of be this morning.
My "other" personna--who (when finally awake) likes to buy PowerBall tickets--thinks you should "blow it all" and have the best of both worlds. Japan is a fascinating country, and to hear all of those great clarinetists--priceless--if you can afford it (oops, there's mister practical again).
Good luck with your decision and sorry that I am no help..............
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Author: mystery science dieter
Date: 2004-12-02 14:50
Buy your A clarinet from Mark Sloss in NJ. His service and prices are by far the best. Many of the better players around NY are already buying from him. It will save you a trip and a lot of hassle.
Clarinet fest will happen every year. You won't miss much if you don't go.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2004-12-02 14:57
The instruments that the makers bring to the ClarinetFest are usually carefully selected and tweaked. If you're looking at Buffets, Francois Kloc will probably be there to make adjustments. You could do much worse than picking out an A there.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-12-04 02:00
I didn't even know Mark Sloss sells instruments. Thanks for the info. I'm right around the corner from him (I live about 45 minutes away I believe). I'll definitely send him an email.
Alexi
PS - For those that may be confused, here in NJ we measure distance with the time it takes to travel it rather than miles.
US Army Japan Band
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