 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-06-19 05:04
This was my 2nd year at the OU Clarinet Symposium and I had a wonderful time there.
Concerts/Recitals:
What I found interesting this year is that Bil Jackson, David Shifrin, and Steve Girko all performed the Debussy Premiere Rhapsodie. Jackson whizzed through the piece with great technical facility and left the audience in awe while Shifrin and Girko gave more classic tempi and interpretations on the piece. I found it very interesting how 3 people can interpret a piece so differently. All 3 also played a Brahms Sonata as well which were played beautifully and with the accompaniment of Gail Novak. Walter Grabner did a great job on his bass recital as well. It was odd to me though that everybody except I would say 3 performers leaked air while they played.
Masterclasses:
Steve Girko, Russell Dagon, and Donald Montanaro gave the masterclasses. Dagon and Montenaro each started out and gave a lecture on their teaching philosophy's from Northwestern and Curtis. I felt that both Dagon and Montanaro would both essentially talking about the same things but I think Montanaro was more helpful in explaining what he meant by having students demonstrate his ideas. They both talked about having a nice attack (Montanaro liked to call it a release instead of attack to make it sound less forceful) and an even tone throughout all registers. Montanaro made students practice the attacks first using just the breath and then putting in the tongue, but making it so it didn't have the tongue sound. He then made the student do play a tuning C with a good attack and then had the player go up 1/2 step each time from C and have the tone match that of the C each time to get an even tone throughout the range of the horn. I think it was Montanaro that said that an ideal tone would be a diamond wrapped in velvet. He also said that a teacher told him once, "Don't blow when you play, think of a snail." Meaning that the air should spin like the snails shell looks.
Young Artist Competition:
The piece this year was the Weber Concerto no. 1, movement 1. The judges were Russell Dagon, Donald Montanaro, Ben Redwine, and Phil Muncy.
1st place: Jimmye Ahn
2nd place: See Hee (Michelle) Shin
3rd place: Me (Carrie Patton)
The competition was close and I got a lot out of doing the competition. This was Jimmye's 3rd year doing the Competition and I know she practiced hard and that she was definantly deserving of 1st place. I would encourage anybody thinking about doing this competition to go ahead and enter. It was a great learning experience for me and I think me getting 3rd place has made me want to improve myself even more now. Ben Armato, Redwine Jazz, The Doctor's Product's, Luyben Music, Orsi and Weir, Joel Lomax repaired Iggy's clarinets, and Vandoran all donated prizes to us 3 finalists and were very kind to do that, so thank you all again!
The exhibitors and performer's were just class act people and were very kind to talk to. I had some nice conversations with Walter Grabner, Ben Armato, Ben Redwine, Pam Muncy, Annette Luyben, and Omar Henderson. They are all very kind people and very easy to talk to. I love the relaxed atmosphere of the Symposium and how easy it is to talk to everyone there.
Here's a tip to get great samples from the booths: Go the first day before all the very popular things are snatched up. THEN, go the very last 15 minutes of the exhibits being open while everyone is packing up and you'll get lots of free things that nobody really wants to take back with them. I got 3 bass clarinet reeds, 5 eefer reeds, and 8 Bb reeds all Concert Select from the Rico booth as well as cork grease, La Voz reed holders, and the reed revitalizer from Rico. I also got a Buffet T-shirt and some Vandoren pencils.
Best quote of the Symposium:
"Play the hell musically outta that music."-Annette Luyben to me right before I go to play in the competition. I'm from Kansas City and she calls me her Kansas City kid. She's so nice.
Pictures that I took from the Symposium:
http://umkc.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2012948&l=e3b59&id=66806072
Post Edited (2006-06-19 05:11)
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Author: Old Geezer
Date: 2006-06-19 15:57
Hi Carrie,
Your report and delightful photos are much
appreciated!
Thank you clarinetgirl!
Clarinet Redux
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2006-06-19 16:13
Thanks for sharing. I wish I could have gone, if only for the great shopping!! However, I was in Chicago on a gig---story of my life. One day maybe I'll get to one. Sigh!
Did you happen to see the new clarinet Morrie is making for Leblanc? I'd love to get my hands on one.
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Author: Musinix
Date: 2006-06-19 16:31
I talked with the LeBlanc representative and he said they were going to introduce the new models at the ICA ClarinetFest in Atlanta.
Thomas Fiebig
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Author: Gregory Smith ★2017
Date: 2006-06-19 21:44
I talked with the LeBlanc representative and he said they were going to introduce the new models at the ICA ClarinetFest in Atlanta.
Tom
____________________________________
Tom -
More prototypes or actual production line models?
Gregory Smith
Post Edited (2006-06-19 22:59)
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Author: Brad Behn
Date: 2006-06-20 00:38
More prototypes or actual production line models?
Gregory Smith
I talked with Morrie Backun at some length last week in OK. He told me that they would have production line models for sale to the public in Atlanta.
Brad Behn
http://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com
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Author: Gregory Smith ★2017
Date: 2006-06-20 01:46
I talked with Morrie Backun at some length last week in OK. - Brad Behn
_____________________________________________________
Presumably price also came up in your conversation of some length?
Gregory Smith
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Author: redwine
Date: 2006-06-20 11:30
Hello,
Oklahoma was great, again. It's always fun to hang out with people like Brad Behn, So Rhee, Dr. Henderson, Ben Armato, David Dworkin, and many others. Also, I was very much impressed with the new Orsi and Weir clarinets--excellent craftsmanship at very reasonable prices. I bought Dr. Henderson's new c clarinet. It is awesome--I can't wait to perform on it in Atlanta! It was very nice to be in charge of the Young Artist's Competition. It's great to hear such very good young performers--the next generation of clarinet stars. It was also very nice to hang out with my old teacher, Steve Girko. He gave an incredible closing night recital. It's been several years since I have heard him play and it's a great inspiration to hear his fingers fly effortlessly around the clarinet. It was a pleasure to meet several bulletin board participators as well. I hope to see you all in Atlanta!
Ben Redwine, DMA
owner, RJ Music Group
Assistant Professor, The Catholic University of America
Selmer Paris artist
www.rjmusicgroup.com
www.redwinejazz.com
www.reedwizard.com
Post Edited (2008-11-01 17:10)
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Author: Francois Kloc
Date: 2006-06-20 12:30
Good Morning,
I thought that the Symposium was very nice this year again and would like to publicly thank David Etheridge and his students for making it a great experience. A particular standing ovation goes to Angela Carter who made sure that everything was going smoothly.
See you next year in Norman
Musically Yours,
Francois Kloc
President & CEO
Buffet Crampon USA, Inc.
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2006-06-20 12:44
(Disclaimer - I am maker of the Forte' Bb and C clarinets and Doctor's Products)
The Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium is my favorite of the entire myriad of shows that I attend every year. The atmosphere is very relaxed, David Ethridge is a most gracious host, all day and wonderful evenings are spent hearing world class players perform, great master classes, and a favorable chance to meet and converse with the giants in the clarinet world in the casual atmosphere. It is also a great time for us vendors to renew and make new friendships, share knowledge, and create and shape future product offerings and collaborations.
I will probably forget someone so my apologies before hand. It was awesome to see a collection of the great mouthpiece artisans - Ben Redwine, Walter Grabner, David McClune, Mike Lomax, Tom Ridenour, Brad Behn, and offerings from Morrie Backun all in the same venue. If you are a player you could sit across from these makers and have them listen and individually adjust your trial mouthpiece especially for you in an interactive way - this is a unique and wonderful experience. The major clarinet manufacturers - Buffet, Selmer, LeBlanc, Yamaha, and Ridenour were all present and new comers like John Orsi and me with our new introductions to tempt customers. Many players come to try out and buy their personal best choice from the candy store of hundreds of clarinets on display. These new clarinets were lovingly tucked under the arms of many leaving the show. Francois Kloc always dons his working apron and is busily fine tuning Buffet instruments at his workbench for free.
Forget mail-order - Pam and Phil Muncy and Fred Weiner brought a raft of their most choice accessories to purchase first hand as well as bundles of their best clarinets for sale. Morrie Backun brought a huge selection of his barrels and bells to match with your own clarinet and the elusive new prototype, and there were custom barrels abounding at many booths. Need clarinet music - Annette Luyben had it all.
One of my favorite people in the clarinet world - Ben Amato is always present and spends a lot of his time tutoring and mentoring students and players with his skilled knowledge at the booth, in the back hallway, and anywhere he can find a quiet spot to be with the player.
If you missed OK this year consider it for next year and come to Atlanta for ClarinetFest in August because everyone of the vendors plus many more will be present to tempt you to increase you GAS quotient.
L. Omar Henderson
Post Edited (2006-06-20 12:57)
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Author: Brad Behn
Date: 2006-06-20 15:17
What Ben, Francois, and Omar said.
I enjoyed meeting Omar and discussing (at some length) his many excellent products. I actually spent a lot of money at his table. I tried his Forte C clarinet and I must say that it is a fine instrument. Thanks Omar. http://www.forteclarinet.com http://www.doctorsprod.com/
To Ben and Leslie, you guys are the greatest. I think we can all learn from them. They know how to listen…really listen. Ben is an amazing clarinetist with first hand knowledge of the instrument that has led him to become a leading mouthpiece craftsman. Additionally he is very nice, not pushy, just plain old decent, two feet planted firmly on the ground, no axe to grind, not bitter…nice. Everybody should own a Gennusa! http://www.redwinejazz.com/
My table was right next to Ted Lane’s booth. What a treat. This guy is an artist, educator, teacher, craftsman…just about everything clarinet, Ted is an expert. http://www.americansinfonietta.org/Ted_Lane/MouthpieceLaneZinner2.html
I hope to see all of you visit Ted’s booth in Atlanta. He has a tremendous offering, again nice nice nice.
Mike Lomax was there…old friend. http://www.lomaxclassic.com
David Mclune and Walter Grabner were both there. It is always a pleasure to see David at these things. We had an insightful few moments discussing mouthpiece techniques. Thanks for your time and candor…David. I especially love the fact that most of the mouthpiece craftsmen are so open and willing to share their observations and opinions. Speaking of opinions, I finally got to meet Walter Grabner and yes he is opinionated, and yes I like him…full of life and personality. I am sorry I did not hear his performance but everybody said it was terrific. http://www.clarinetxpress.com
Chicago has been and continues to be a mouthpiece town. By my estimation there are several current mouthpiece craftsmen in the windy city. Rick Sayer, Greg Smith, Walter Grabner, and Vandoren as well. Walter deserves special congratulations for earning the respect and business of so many fine clarinetists in his own home town as well as all over the world. Chicago is now a town well worth going to just for the mouthpiece selections.
Francois and Buffet, your presence in the music community is extraordinary. Thanks for everything you offer and all the fine service.
John Weir and the Orsi-Weir clarinets were there as well. I enjoyed meeting one more instrument maker and his beautiful contribution to the clarinet community. I trust his new clarinets will do very well. They have two designs…a Euro bore and an American bore. They are both different and they are both excellent. I must congratulate John Weir. http://www.orsiandweir.com
Indeed Morrie Backun was there and he brought a tone of stuff. Every time I go to a show, I stop to admire the beautiful wood and craftsmanship he brings to the clarinet community. Congratulations go to him on his new position with Leblanc. I know that Morrie believes firmly in the advents of modern technology and I think it will be exciting to witness/hear/play the results of that knowledge, skill and passion….A very good reason to go to Atlanta I would say. Next year ICA will be in Vancouver…I wonder what Morrie’s exhibit will look like there…
I look forward to next years OU Symposium. It is a very special event.
Brad Behn
http://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com
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Author: redwine
Date: 2006-06-20 17:34
Hello,
Thanks for the kind words, Brad. Where do I send the check?
See you in Atlanta in August.
Ben Redwine, DMA
owner, RJ Music Group
Assistant Professor, The Catholic University of America
Selmer Paris artist
www.rjmusicgroup.com
www.redwinejazz.com
www.reedwizard.com
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Author: ClariTone
Date: 2006-06-20 18:55
Carrie
May I be the first BBoarder to congratulate you on this honor!!! GOOD JOB!!!!!
Clayton
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-06-20 20:50
Thanks Clay!
I bought a few goodies while I was there as well. I got a very beautiful reed knife from Muncy Winds (1 of the 2 that were left because 8 of them were stolen). I also got a handmade reed case made by Ben Redwine and the wood is just beautiful. A feature that Mr. Redwine pointed out, which I think is very smart, is that it has sort of a spring hinge on the back so you don't have to rely on clasps in the front to keep it closed (which often break). I was thinking about having this engraved with my name at Branson when I go in a few weeks. Mr. Redwine, do you think it would be ok to engrave this? Would it hurt it at all?
I also came away with the Kelly Burke Daily Warm-Ups book because I wanted a slight change from the Baermann III for the summer. David Shifrin's wonderful performance of the Poulenc Sonata inspired me to buy it and start learning it. Of course, I had to buy my yearly monster tube of the Doc's cork grease and his mp cleaner.
I hope you all have enjoyed the pictures!
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2006-06-21 01:58
Carrie -
Fantastic job taking those pictures and posting them so quickly. Youe comments are right on the money. Way to GO!
Oh man, there is so much to say about the Symposium. I had an absolute blast. Those who weren't there, circle your calendars for next year. This is a quality event in a relaxed, informal, and friendly atmosphere.
Just a few personal highpoints:
Omar Henderson's Forte clarinet in C is amazing. Lively tone, even response, EXCELLENT intonation. At $749 it is a steal. If you want a C clarinet, go buy one of these! I recommend them highly. I mean it. Really.
The Orsi and Weir clarinets were an eye opener. I especially loved the cocobolo "European Bore" model. I mean I LUSTED over this clarinet. It was a gem. A very wise lady snapped it up.
Buffet had a table full of Toscas, Festivals, Vintages, and regular R13's. I was never more impressed by the Toscas. There were six or seven, and every one was a fine clarinet. The Festivals and the Vintages were superb quality as well. I think we are seeing a real Renaissance from the Buffet Crampon Company.
I had a great time paling around with my "rivals", David McClune, Brad Behn, and Ben and Leslie Redwine. What fine folks! Mouthpiece making must be good for the soul.
Unfortunately, I missed all the daytime recitals (except mine) since I had to be at my exhibit. However, I was able to go to all the evening recitals, and they alone were worth the cost of the trip. I especially enjoyed, and was amazed by, the artistry of Bil Jackson and David Shifrin. I cannot imagine hearing the clarinet played better this side of heaven.
Save up your pennies and come to the U of Oklahoma Symposium next year. It's a high class event in a relaxed and collegial atmosphere. I cannot recommend it more.
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com/bass.html
World Class Bass Clarinet Mouthpieces
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2006-06-21 02:58
(Disclaimer - I am maker of the Forte' Bb and C clarinets and Doctor's Products)
And now for the rest of the story ---
This was a real nail biter for me personally because of factory delays in delivery the Forte' C clarinets were shipped directly from the factory to Oklahoma. I had not seen a factory Forte' C before opening the package the beginning day of the show. Needless to say my heart was in my throat cutting the tape on the box. I had shipped the cases already and they were just awaiting the clarinets.
The clarinets looked good but would they play well? Took out my tuner and started to play some scales. Problem -- a couple of the altissimo notes were flat and the throat A stuffy. Graham Golden, the other half of the Forte' team said that he could fix the throat A with some more undercutting. Ben Redwine across the way came to the rescue and suggested looking at the bore of the barrel -- -- magic, sanding and tapering 0.2mm larger and all was right with the world. The other clarinets were similarily tested and fixed. Poor Graham spent most of the show across the street in a practice room fixing the clarinets. He would bring them over one by one and see and empty peg where his last fix had left the room under a customer's arm and return to the dungeon for another hour or so with a new clarinet to fix.
The lesson learned is that no matter how good the prototype the factory reproduction is sometimes flawed and takes some expert investigative work to understand and fix the problems (a little bit of luck helps too !). The dimensions were exactly like the prototype. Lesson two - never schedule an introduction of a new clarinet without first having them in hand and testing them out !!!
Many thanks to all the professionals that came by and tested the Forte' C. Not only are these mouthpiece wizards - Brad Behn, Walter Grabner, and Ben Redwine - superb at their craft but all are amazing clarinet players in their own right too.
L. Omar Henderson
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-06-21 03:16
BassetHorn-
Dr. Etheridge said that the Symposium will be on the corresponding week of next year.
Omar-
I felt bad because I was scheduled to rehearse in a classroom and there was Graham working away on the Forte's and he was telling me all about it. I felt so bad that he had to move!
Walter-
Thanks for the compliment and also, I think David Shifrin's performance could easily compete with Jon Manasse's last year. They were both just really great!
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2006-06-21 19:39
The dates for the 2007 University of Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium are: June 14, 15 and 16, 2007.
There are plans in place to have better, more visible publicity for future Symposiums.
Look for an improved website soon.
Walter Grabner
World Class Bass Clarinet Mouthpieces
www.clarinetxpress.com/bass.html
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Author: redwine
Date: 2006-06-21 22:39
Hello Carrie,
I think the reed case would look great with your name engraved on it.
Good luck in college!
Ben Redwine, DMA
owner, RJ Music Group
Assistant Professor, The Catholic University of America
Selmer Paris artist
www.rjmusicgroup.com
www.redwinejazz.com
www.reedwizard.com
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2006-06-22 00:11
The University of Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium is a wonderful event. I plan on being there every year for the forseeable future.
We could have accomodated many more attendees this year. One of the difficulties is getting the word out, and getting it out early.
I have offered to help David Etheridge and his fine staff (including Angela and David Carter) in publicizing the event, especially on the internet.
Eventually we will have a separate URL and everything. Right now I have put up a quick page on the clarinetxpress website.
You can take a peek at www.clarinetxpress.com/OUSYMPOSIUM.html
Thanks,
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com/bass.html
world class bass clarinet mouthpieces
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Author: Fontalvo
Date: 2006-06-22 02:22
Hello,
Does anyone have any more information on the masterclasses?????
Thank You.
Rafael
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Author: Chris Hill
Date: 2006-06-25 04:56
It sounds like it was an equipment lover's dream. So many of the people Brad mentioned are worth going to see at every convention. I agree that Chicago has been, and continues to be a great mouthpiece town. Rick Sayre, Greg Smith, and Walter Grabner are all excellent makers worthy of the highest respect. I've had the pleasure of meeting Greg and Walter, and hope to meet Rick someday. If I can get away from my playing and conducting schedule next summer, I'd like to attend (as a spectator, not a vendor.)
It's also nice to see that Mr. Montanaro was a clinician there; he is a fantastic teacher!
Chris Hill
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