 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-08-23 02:06
Hey all! I've just started at the University of Missouri-Kansas City yesterday in the Conservatory of Music. I'm double majoring in education and performance.
I've already had my first clarinet lesson yesterday and we went through orchestral excerpts and worked on them for my ensemble auditions. Then Dr. Carl assigned me Baermann 3 CM and am, a Rose etude, the last 2 movements of the Weber Concerto 1, and the 1st movement of the Poulenc Sonata. I'm supposed to practice at least 3 hrs per day.
My Theory 1 class is going easy so far as well as my Ear Training/Solfege class. I have 3 people in my Trumpet/Horn technique class, but it should be great for 1 on 1 attention. I'll start my Keyboarding 1 class on Thursday and whatever ensemble I make on Friday. My Intro to Music Lit is pretty demanding as far as homework goes, but I've already studied some of these topics in High School, so I have that to my advantage. My Intro to Music Therapy/Education class has been really cool and relaxed. It's a very open, more free thinking class and the professors don't make you feel stupid for whatever you think.
I know I'll have a challenging, yet rewarding year. I'm really being challenged with time management and just the depth of studying I need to do to grasp the concepts.
So, how's this school year going for you all so far?
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Author: crnichols
Date: 2006-08-23 17:39
I'm still trying to enroll at Kansas State University. The red tape is just amazing, but I've almost weeded through all of it.
Christopher Nichols, D.M.A.
Assistant Professor of Clarinet
University of Delaware
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2006-08-23 18:56
The college Wind Symphony I'm in has auditions tonight. Unless a herd of new players show up, I should have 3rd section 3rd chair nailed.
The college overbooked the dorm rooms, so 90 students are staying at a nearby motel until dorm rooms become available.
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Author: Sean.Perrin
Date: 2006-08-23 20:42
My school is going to be doing screened auditions this year for the first time for all ensembles. It is good becuase there can be no politics involved at all... but scary because I havn't heard any of the new people... I do have a chance at first chair in the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra though.
Founder and host of the Clarineat Podcast: http://www.clarineat.com
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Author: strath07
Date: 2006-08-24 17:22
hi, im not in university yet, im in my last year of high school, and want to continue music into university, but i am scared, i cant do theory to save my life, i either just pass or just fail, but i can play well(i am at a level4/5 in playing) adn i love to play, although i am working on my theory i am worried that if i do continue with music i may be kicked out of the program if i fail theory
any suggestions maybe with websites on beginner theory or if there is a way to get around theory, any programs jut ith playiong ( i know fat vhanve, )
thansks
strath07
wind ensemble,
canada
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Author: Sean.Perrin
Date: 2006-08-24 18:04
Edmonton... yea!
Anyway, most of the schools in Alberta are very lenient with their theory restrictions. I had no idea what i was doing actually and only got 13 percent on my entrance exam and had virtually no piano experience... but I had a really good audition. Having said that, dont' expect to get into a school like McGill or Eastman for your undergrad... competition is too fierce.
Founder and host of the Clarineat Podcast: http://www.clarineat.com
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Author: Tyler
Date: 2006-08-25 01:11
strath07-
there is at least one website I know of where you can learn any basic harmonic theory you don't know: http://www.musictheory.net
past that, just search on google for "music theory" "music theory help" "music theory training" "ear training" "aural training" "phrases and motives" and stuff like that. you will find endless information, I'm sure.
My first year at the University of Oklahoma is going well so far. Good classes, a couple with great instructors, and the clarinet studio is competitive yet friendly.
-Tyler
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Author: SimpsonSaxGal
Date: 2006-08-25 02:42
My classes don't start til Tuesday. I've been here all summer, so I'm ready to start. Our band has auditions in the beginning of the week, but I probably won't audition. After all, I'm the only one on my instrument. We will be adding an alto clarinet, and new freshmen to our band, so hopefully it's all good.
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Author: abc123
Date: 2006-08-25 07:14
It can be detracting that everthing is so competetive - why can't we all just be happy with hows it going?
Also have any of you ever experienced whereby when you start working more on intonation, the more you realise how bad it can be? I notice improvements but it's still very frustrating, and at time impossible? Any suggestions or words of confidence would be greatly appreciated
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Author: Tyler
Date: 2006-08-25 19:32
abc123-
As our tone production habits improve and stabilize, so too will our intonation. And when our intonation tendencies have stabilized, we can then make pulling and pushing adjustments, consider instrument and room temperatures, and consider reed strengths and other things like that more accurately and consistently when dealing with details of pitch. So make sure you're playing long tones or something to remind you of tone production basics and to warm up your lungs and embouchure and get you settled before the rest of a practice session. Also, while tuners are good for telling us the truth, I've found that it is also important to train your own ear to recognize accurate and inaccurate pitch. I'm sure if you search Google, you'll be able to find many ear training exercises online. Actually, I should be looking up some of those and practicing for my aural skills class...
fwiw,
-Tyler
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-08-25 21:44
We had auditions and I found out I made our top Wind group which is called Wind Symphony. I am 1 of 3 freshman in the entire ensemble (me, a flute, and a bassoon), so it's pretty crazy, but cool! I'm on 3rd part on 3 pieces and 2nd on 1 piece. This music is very hard, and being a freshman, I hope I don't mess things up too much. I'll just try to practice it as much as I can and pay lots of attention in rehearsals!
1st week is over now and it feels like it's been a month! It's making me exhausted!
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2006-08-25 22:14
>>We had auditions and I found out I made our top Wind group which is called Wind Symphony. I am 1 of 3 freshman in the entire ensemble <<
Way to go, Carrie! BB girl makes good! Hurrah!
Susan
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Author: ClariTone
Date: 2006-08-26 01:41
Mine is going well. Congrats Carrie!!! What an honor!!!
This is my freshman year by the way. I tested out of Theory I so I don't have to take Theory until next semester. Piano class is easy...not much to say there. Studio class should be interesting. There is some stiff competition, but I get to study with the instructor I originally wanted so YAY!!! It is a large studio, so that is cool. We also had Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra Auditions and I am now the principal clarinet in the Wind Ensemble and assistant principal in the Symphony (my instructor is principal, so I get to play next to her!!!). Marching Band is cool. I'm the only Baritone player. My General Education classes are nice as well. Psychology is fascinating, and Quantitative Reasoning (Math) is really easy thus far. The only really challenging class is Speech Communication (I don't do well with public speaking).
Best of Luck to All!!!
Clayton
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Author: Bradley
Date: 2006-08-26 04:15
Well, I haven't started school yet- but I have to say that it is just amazing being here. AMAZING.
I moved into my dorm on Tuesday, and I've been exploring and outfitting myself with various things with the help of my mom. She flies back to Miami tomorrow morning, and then I will be all on my own for the first time. We'll see how that goes.
Anyway, I absolutely love Montreal, and I knew I would. I'm a little in awe at everything, so I will not bother telling everyone "COME TO MCGILL!!!" or something...hahaha. I do like the people I've met from the music faculty, and otherwise (I guess I'll meet the not-so-enjoyable people later).
I will find out my definite studio assignment soon, and also I have orchestral training programme auditions for the large ensembles on September 5th and 6th, provided the people in the OSM don't change it. I am meeting Thomas Piercy tommorrow so he can help me get ready and advise me in general, so that's exciting. I really like the McGill campus and the Schulich facilities, and I guess I'll have to wait to see how the faculty is. I'm not taking any academic coursework for my first semester, they advise against it. I have no restrictions on the non-music courses I have to take, so as long as I meet the credit req. I will be ok. I have always had an interest in prosecution, so that might lead my other courses into a psychology/poli-sci track. We'll see.
I'll post later about how things are going once school starts.
Bradley
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Author: DHsu87
Date: 2006-08-26 09:02
I just finished my first week and it was very very busy. I had to take a challenge exam in music theory and aural skills which took 3 hours. It was well worth it though since I tested out of both for one semester each. I also tested out of keyboard. The only problem was I had to fill these classes with GEs, which took a while to figure out. My wind ensemble class is really going and the environment is nice and supportive. Boy am I glad it's the weekend. Time to recuperate.
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-08-26 21:42
Congrats Clay! Sounds like you're doing great so far!
As far as your speech class goes, you should take your own quote.
"Anything too stupid to be said is sung" Francois Marie Arouet a.k.a. Voltaire
If you feel stupid, sing it. lol. I'm kidding sort of. But just relax in general and if you can add some humor, it makes the class more enjoyable. And, also remember others get nervous too, so you're not the only one.
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Author: andyrox
Date: 2006-08-27 04:52
i havent started yet but i have selected most of my classes. currently im taking
Studio, music theory, basic piano, ensemble (not sure which one yet), and im trying to get into chamber. i have to audition for wind ensemble and orchestra during the 1st week of school. im kind of anxious of how its going to be like. i start september 25th.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2006-08-28 13:26
To our young friend in Edmonton,
A couple of ideas.
This is a great site for picking up knowledge about music theory and history --
http://www.dolmetsch.com/theoryintro.htm
Even though Dolmetsch is a recorder maker's site, it is a gold mine for anyone interested in theory, history, etc.
In addition, I'd suggest that you start either piano or guitar lessons yesterday. Piano is preferred, but if you don't have access, guitar should do. You can learn a lot of basic theory concepts regarding harmony and chords and how they progress -- ie, move from one to another and the logic behind them -- and most importantly hear and see how things work.
Good luck
Mary V.
Post Edited (2006-08-28 13:28)
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Author: thegreatestmusician
Date: 2006-08-28 14:00
This year, I am having my senior clarinet recital in the spring so this will be a busy year working on a lot of pieces, forming a chamber group for the commencement contest .. and getting lots of recording done for graduate school. Remember to take a break from your practicing and don't lock yourself in the studios 24/7 until you tire out.
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Author: crnichols
Date: 2006-08-28 17:08
I'm officially enrolled as a graduate student at Kansas State University now. I'm half-time, and I finished a good deal of work at Catholic University of Amercia, so I should be done in about 3 semesters or so. I'm currently taking graduate level performance (clarinet lessons) with Dr. Todd Kerstetter and methods and materials for the studio (a pedagogy class). The pedagogy class I'm really excited about because the goal is a annotated bibliography of teaching materials, so it's something I can use throughout my career. It also gets me to look at things that I haven't seen before, and I'm also learning about the great number of resources that we have to borrow music and other texts.
Christopher Nichols, D.M.A.
Assistant Professor of Clarinet
University of Delaware
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2006-08-28 19:30
It's fun to read this!
Christopher and Carrie,
I went to school at KU and played a lot of music there. Larry Maxey is really a great teacher. I know a little bit about both University of Missouri and Kansas State. Let me just just say this. I may get in trouble if friends hear I communicate with students from rival universities... Rock Chalk Jayhawks!
Bradley,
I spent 5 years at McGill and studied privately with Bob Crowley, he is an amazing player. The entire clarinet faculty is very good, so I hope you get to enjoy it. Don't get disappointed if you don't make it in the orchestra right away, it is very very competitive. Only the top 4 of about 20 clarinet players make it to the second round aufition and only 3 get to play in the orchestra. Both the Contemporary Ensemble and Wind Symphony are very good, so you will have plenty to learn.
Alright, enjoy your time at school, I had a great time in both places!
-S
--
Sylvain Bouix <sbouix@gmail.com>
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-08-28 22:53
Sylvain-
I enjoy KU's music department very much! Larry Maxey is a great teacher and knows a lot about the clarinet and explain it in manners which students can understand. I was thinking of going to KU for awhile. So, I don't mind if you say Rock Chalk Jayhawks!
My first Wind Symphony rehearsal is tomorrow! We're playing Celebration Overature, Something that is translated to "I Went to the Dance" by Grantham, Festive Overature, and Prague 1968 by Husa. This music is very challenging! Our theme is "Celebrations".
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-08-31 01:07
Oh, I had a chamber ensemble audition, and since the people who auditioned were odd in numbers and instrumental types, I'm doing a clarinet duet with another freshman girl. We get an hour of coaching every week on clarinet duets, so that is kind of nifty.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2006-08-31 05:53
I guess it is just here that university starts late October. I'm just wondering, does any of the people here going to university to study clarinet play anything there other than read sheet music (I mean as part of your studies, not outside of it just for fun)? I mean, do you ever play music that is not written (either entirely improvised, or part written part improvised, or improvised based on written things, etc.)?
Thanks.
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Author: Bradley
Date: 2006-08-31 06:57
I could've sworn I posted a follow-up earlier...
Anyway, I met with Mr. Piercy, and it was an eye-opener, after a summer basically free of lessons. Thank you!!!!
Also, I found out my definite studio assignment, Sylvain- I will be with Mr. Crowley for lessons, so that's pretty exciting! I took my placement exams for piano and musicianship, and pretty much bombed them- breaks from music are good in some ways....not so much in others.
I got to meet some of the other musicians today at Discover McGill, and I definitely will at Frosh tommorrow and the day after!
Also, Carrie- J'ai ete au bal is the piece you're playing? I enjoyed playing it a lot! I have to say it's not one of the most memorable pieces to perform, but it's a great experience playing Grantham Wind Ensemble music at least once or twice. Hopefully you'll do Southern Harmony as well. It's a lot of fun as an Eb player, incase you take that up.
Bradley
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2006-08-31 13:20
Glad to hear everything is going smoothly. Send my best regards to Bob Crowley.
You will have a great time at McGill, enjoy!
-S
--
Sylvain Bouix <sbouix@gmail.com>
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-09-01 00:50
Brad-
Yeah, we're playing J'ai ete au bal. I'm on 3rd clarinet, but it's actually a good deal harder than the other clarinet parts at times. It's kinda fun, but it's also kind of weird. We're playing that piece because it's the 1 year anniversary of hurricane Katrina and the piece is a New Orleans/Mardi Gras kind of theme.
I'm glad McGill is going good for you!
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Author: GBK
Date: 2006-09-01 02:32
[ Just a reminder - back and forth personal conversation is best done offline - GBK ]
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