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Clarinet boot camp, of sorts

Author: chipper
Date: 2007-04-11 14:35

Perhaps some of you know I'm a relativly new player, about 2 1/2 years since my first lesson. I then joined our local civic band and have been hiding in the third section since. I thought I was getting it and was encouraged by the other clarinetists in the band. But then again, it's easy to get lost in a forty piece band. Just blow the note, they said, your tone is great. My kids even commented on how my practice sessions actually sound like music, and the cat I drove away two years ago with my squeeks and squawks has returned. I'm on top of the world, untill........

I have this wild idea, take lessons from a teacher who's principal instrument is clarinet! Through this web site I find a local teacher. She's busy but does have a grad student who may be interested. Lovely young woman studying to teach elementary music ed. I think I'm her first adult student.

As you all know, it is a requirement that a University must be located on top of a hill, usually the highest around. This is so that the wind students can park at the bottom of the hill, and being late due to traffic, RUN up the hill to develop lung capacity. Arriving seconds before the lesson, searching unfamilliar halls for an as yet to be recognized teacher. Is that her, with that Buffett R-13, and me with my plastic Vito VSP?? What, dear Lord, have I gotten myself into. But the energy is contageous, the very air surrounding these students in the hall is electric. My how I miss school. First thing, she checks my equipment, no use trying to learn on an instrument that doesn't work. I never know those sounds existed in my very own horn. Wow. She approves of the instrument. Now play me a song, just anything you're working on. Nervous as an adolescent on my first date I screw up royally. Or could it be the way I allways play. No, I can do better, and I do. OK, now a scale, 'C' for instance. AGH, why did I start on the 'D' ? I KNOW the 'C' scale. Allright, now, just a note, can you do that. Yes Ma'am.

So now, here I am, 2 1/2 years later, back to square one. Go home, play a note, play it well, come back next week and show me you can at least play a note. I'm psyched. I will learn to play the clarinet.

Carl

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