 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: chipper
Date: 2006-08-28 15:04
Perhaps some of you will remember posts from this new player a year or so ago. I'm 50 years old and started playing about 2 1/2 years ago, never having played an instrument in my life. About nine months ago I was allowed to sit in as an assistant to the third clarinet in our local community band. No way on God's green earth could I carry the part, perhaps I played every other note, and quietly so that if (when) I messed up it would not detract from the band. The band is very gracious to have me, but given the fact that most of the players are 70+ years old, I suppose they see me as an investment in the future. (I'd show up early to set up chairs and stay late to take down just to show my enthuiasm) I stumbled and bumbled my way through the Christmas and then the summer concert series. Tried to practice my part, but you know how difficult that is without the melody. When I was lost, I'd wait for the other 3'rd to come to a passage I recognized and then take it from there. Then I started to notice that the other 3'rd wasn't allways playing where I thought the rest of the band was. Perhaps starting a beat too late sometimes. Don't get me wrong, this guy flat outplays me on any day, but I'm starting to notice that he's not allways right on. So last concert I started really watching the conductor and listening to the rest of the band. And guess what? I think I actually played MUSIC! Not just notes, but MUSIC that fit in with the rest of the band. Not for a long time, and not on every piece, but MUSIC, none the less.
Perhaps to some of you seasoned veterans this feeling came so long ago and has been replaced by the mastering of an advanced technique but try to remember. And to you new players, if you haven't felt this yet, keep playing. You will.
Thanks for the forum, my co workers and family are less enthusiastic than you folks are.
Carl
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Author: EuGeneSee
Date: 2006-08-28 15:23
Carl:
I'm with you, man. I did play the clarinet before, however, but it was in early 60's and I don't remember it at all. I've been at this for about 3 months now and loving every minute. I am also with community band but playing bass drum while I take clarinet lessons. I'll be 60 next month and regret only that I waited so long to get back to my clarinet. Meanwhile, the bassoon & oboe (I also played them way back then) can wait their turn.
Eu
Post Edited (2006-08-28 18:30)
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Author: Tony Beck
Date: 2006-08-28 18:23
Way to go Chipper! It’s great when you begin to feel like you aren’t being dragged along by the band. There will still be moments, but you are on your way to making real music.
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Author: awm34
Date: 2006-08-28 19:03
I played through high school and took it up again four years ago at age 68. I take weekly lessons from a fine teacher who plays in the Toledo Symphony and I'm in the 3rd clarinet section of the nearby community band.
Two months ago, my Chicago clarinet-playing buddy and I played two duets for our neighbors and (the highpoint) shared the clarinet part to The Shepherd on the Rock for the accomplished singing of our neighbor's daughter. Not one tomato.
Working toward moderate proficiency is a challenge, albeit a worthwhile and rewarding one.
Alan
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Author: vjoet
Date: 2006-08-28 19:37
Hi Carl,
Thanks for the update. As an amateur myself, I'll agree with you that it is a truly WONDERFUL hobby. And I'm reminded of a French adage I once heard: "A man without a hobby is only half alive." Keep practicing, keep listening, and keep enjoying.
Best wishes,
vJoe
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Author: BobD
Date: 2006-08-28 20:59
Good for you Carl. When I "came back" a few years ago I also had a bit of a time reading the music but it came back soon and pretty soon it was like old times.
Bob Draznik
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