 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: dtex9002
Date: 2006-05-16 00:39
Hello everyone. I've been a long time visitor to this board, but this is the first time I actually posted.
I have played the clarinet ever since fourth grade and now I am a graduating high school senior. Though I technically have played the clarinet for 8-9 years, I have never taken a lesson in my life. My parents could never afford, nor believed I needed them. In essence, everything I know about the clarinet has been garnered from the various performances I've done.
Now, I own a plastic Vito (my first clarinet) and a Leblanc Galaxy (which happens to have its own topic here on the board), but I wanted to purchase a professional clarinet to last me for the coming years. While I don't plan on majoring in music, I would like to continue playing, both in college and the rest of my life. My dilemma is whether or not to spend money on a new clarinet, seek lessons in college, or both.
So, should I upgrade my instrument or upgrade my skills?
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Author: Sean.Perrin
Date: 2006-05-16 00:43
This sounds like my situation was when i was in high school. I ended up taking some lessons and getting a payment plan on a new instrument. So that way i had some lessons before college and a new instrument. It worked out ok int he end, so ther is hope.
Founder and host of the Clarineat Podcast: http://www.clarineat.com
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Author: ClariTone
Date: 2006-05-16 01:09
I would say if your not a music major and haven't taken ANY lessons then you probably don't need to shell out the big bucks for a new pro instrument (especially since you're just entering college and will need all the money you can get!!!). I'd say search for a used pro or new intermediate. You could find an AMAZING horn for a VERY REASONABLE price!!! Go with one of the big 4 (Buffet, LeBlanc, Selmer, Yamaha). All of the Big 4 have many fantastic clarinet models that you could choose from. Find a teacher, pay for lessons, PRACTICE, and you will sound good on ANY clarinet (with the exception of the numerous CSO-POS's). Get a local pro, or a teacher to go with you to test instruments to find one that plays well and one that you like. Best of Luck!!!
Clayton
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2006-05-16 14:40
dtex -
Your Vito or your Leblanc will play very well with a professional-grade mouthpiece and barrel, which will cost between $150 and $300. Save up that much and sign up for lessons at college.
Probably the first thing your teacher will do is have you get a new mouthpiece. Preferences vary from teacher to teacher, and it's always good to go along with what the teacher recommends, since that's what he or she knows has worked for students.
When you come in with a Vito, you may well get the loan of a college instrument until you can afford your own.
College teachers know about used instruments and can evaluate them for you, or find you a good deal on a new one. This is one more reason to wait.
You can be sure that you'll end up playing a lot better than you do not when you work with an experienced teacher, who will immediately find the flaws in your playing and give you exercies to work on.
So -- my advice is to practice hard, keep what you have for now and sign up for lessons at college.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2006-05-16 15:12
lessons first, new equipment later.
Look out, though, you may have picked up a few limiting (bad) habits; and breaking those will be more difficult than learning new things.
Bob Phillips
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2006-05-16 15:16
I don't know if most colleges work the same way, but my son, with a history on sax much like yours on clarinet, went to a college with a small music department (He's now an engineer.) He signed up for music courses as electives, and received lessons from an excellent sax player. He was in a jazz band, and also signed up for the PEP band. He learned a lot, and had a great time.
His teacher at college made recommendations as to what instruments, mouthpieces, reeds, etc. would work work well for him.
I'd hang onto what you have until I found out what the college has to offer as far as courses and lessons go.
Post Edited (2006-05-16 15:17)
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Author: sandi_
Date: 2006-05-18 00:56
Do you happen to have the scales and fingering for beginners band Bb clarinet
Ab, Bb, C, Eb, F *and in 2nd octave
Thank you,
Sandra
Sandra
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