The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Riona
Date: 2007-02-09 04:50
Well, new to me anyway
I played in band starting in 7th grade. Got 2nd chair my 8th grade year, 1st chair in 9th and 10th, then quit playing for school because my instructor decided to mandate marching band. I played for a couple more years on my own at home and think my old clarinet(wanna say a plastic bundy?) got a leak in it, since I'd have to force out any notes that required using my right hand(high or low) When I moved out here I left my old clarinet in storage at my parent's house, but recently got an A. Fontaine wooden clarinet off of ebay. Not a bad deal for a $60(including shipping) instrument! It hasn't been touched in years by the looks of it, but still plays. Has a crack partially through the bottom of the bell, and one that looks like it goes all the way through the lower part of the barrel, some of the cork is wearing thin, all of the pads look okay. I'm still pretty rusty though, considering that I haven't played in 4 years! I'm going to see if I can get into at least lessons at the college I go to. Can't hurt if I can. Got a few questions also.
How can I get back into the swing of playing? I was always terrible at sight reading, and don't have any of my old music. So I can't just play off of that. More of a problem if I can't get into classes. When I look for music, is it pretty easy to find stuff that has cds of the piece, and accompaniment(spelling?)
Also, she soaks up finger oils in a couple of seconds, so I'm assuming she's really dry. What sort of oil should I get?
Also, dunno what sort of metal the keys are made from, but they're in need of a really good polishing(one thing I always have obsessed about) They're turning a rusty gold colour and a greenish colour. I'm assuming the rusty colour is more of a build up of some sort since it is all over the inside of the case. Is there any sort of household stuff(like lemon juice or vinegar) that I could use to clean it without damaging it and without spending a fortune on cleaners?
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2007-02-09 15:12
You can definitely get back into playing. I've known people who hadn't played in decades who pick it up again. It is, however, very hard work and requires dedication--a lot of dedication. I would highly recommend a private teacher or getting into a class at school (as you mention) because you'll need help to get you up and running again.
If you were bad at sight reading before you can simply focus on that once you get your embouchure and fingering going again. I wasn't very good at sight reading when I was in school, but I've worked hard as an adult and now do a pretty good job at it. Practice and familiarity and experience all go hand in hand with sight reading.
So, go for it!!
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