 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: GBK
Date: 2008-08-27 19:51
As an educator, it's always nice to find a clarinet series which makes you say: "Finally, someone got it right"
I recently received in the mail the 3 volumes (Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced) of David Etheridge's newly published series of books - "Clarinet Skill Builders - A Practical Approach to the Clarinet"
For those that do not know, Dr. David Etheridge is a Professor of Clarinet at the University of Oklahoma (Norman, Oklahoma). He is a very busy educator, soloist, clinician and host (every year) of the Clarinet Symposium, held at his university.
I was fortunate to study with David Etheridge for 4 years in college and took away MANY of his teaching and playing concepts which I continually use to this day.
I wanted to let the clarinet community know of this valuable series of books which I feel will serve a very important role in the pedagogy of clarinet.
I told Dave that these books reminded me a bit of the (now out of print) Russianoff series, but he elaborated further by telling me that he would rather prefer to have them described as extensions of the Russianoff books because they contain clearer illustrations and more integrated applications of the concepts . There are also more topics, including clear description of the how and why of half-holeing, more high note fingerings, etc. - all with examples from the clarinet literature.
Especially impressive is the Beginner Book which contains excellent photographs of embouchure, posture, hand positions, etc. Even as an experienced teacher, I was able to find many new teaching tips and have now used these concepts with my young students. Also, for adult restarters or those that do not have immediate access to an instructor, the Beginning Book will certainly fill the void and get you off to a correct start, until a teacher can be located.
Both Fred Ormand and Russell Dagon have praised the books and given very positive reviews. Their comments and further information about this series can be found here:
http://www.woodwindeducatorspress.org/
I am certain that David Etheridge would be happy to field any questions about his new series of books by contacting him at:
david-etheridge@ou.edu
Disclaimer: I was given my copies of the books at no charge, but have no association with them other than promoting their value to the clarinet community.
...GBK
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2008-08-27 23:12
I also have an association with David Etheridge. I owe him, and his University of Oklahoma Symposium more than I can ever repay.
I also have a bit of a vested interest, as I helped to put the website together.
Having said that, I believe I was the first customer, through the website. I have had the books about a week now and have really enjoyed the content. I plan on using them with every serious student I have.
There is more intelligence, wisdom, and practical "how-to-do-it" in these books than in any ten other books rolled together.
Treat yourself and buy them.
www.musiceducatorspress.org
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
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Author: BobD
Date: 2008-08-28 11:44
Glenn.....add salesman to your credentials....you sold me.
Bob Draznik
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Author: DrH2O
Date: 2008-08-28 11:55
GBK,
There's no description for the third book on the web site and it costs twice as much as the other two. What does it cover/include?
Anne
Clarinet addict
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Author: redwine
Date: 2008-08-28 12:54
Hello,
Dave Etheridge was my teacher while I was a student at the University of Oklahoma. He's sending me a copy of the books to check out this week. I'm sure they will be great! I'm very curious if it's an expansion of his book that he made for his studio when I was in school. Really, one of those photocopied, bound "books" you buy at the book store that a professor has put together. I still have that one, with a bunch of additional loose leaf pages of information from my time at OU. I'll give my assessment when they arrive!
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: johng ★2017
Date: 2008-08-28 13:07
I also decided to buy all three since I am always looking for alternatives to the old books like Rubank, etc. I was an early student of David's. He was a college student and I was a high school player. It actually made a lot of sense because Tiny Heinrich, my previous teacher retired and David had been one of his students as well, so I felt I was really continuing with the same style of teaching.
Looking forward to the new books.....
John Gibson, Founder of JB Linear Music, www.music4woodwinds.com
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-08-28 14:50
Any insight about the S&H fees? I couldn't find any info on the page.
--
Ben
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Author: GBK
Date: 2008-08-28 14:50
DrH20 wote:
> There's no description for the third book on the web site
> d it costs twice as much as the other two.
> what does it cover/include?
The advanced book is 78 pages and spiral bound. (a good idea so it can open flat)
The Beginning and Intermediate books are 35 and 43 pages respectively and staple bound.
The Advanced Book has 12 chapters, all with excellent info and relevant musical examples (from the literature)to reinforce and demonstrate the points. However, I found the last 5 sections in the Advanced Book to be especially useful. They explain and show examples of
resonated throat tones, high notes (with a useful chart of which fingerings are suggested for diatonic, chromatic, short skips and wide skips), how to smooth out upward and downward skips, legato finger motion and rinforzando attacks.
BTW - Although David Etheridge probably didn't intend it as so, the one page bibliography in the back of the book is an excellent foundation list of exercise books, core materials and solos which should be in every serious clarinetist's personal library.
Remember - these books are not your typical clarinet method (ala Rubank) where you (for example) play one page a week, but rather is a compilation of tips and teaching techniques with musical examples, photos, etc... compiled over a lifetime of instruction.
For me, I found them to give me additional and often creative ways to explain many of the same topics I've stressed with my students over the years.
...GBK
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2008-08-28 19:21
GBK,
As an "experienced" clarinetist who is not teaching currently, might I be able to cut to the chase and go right to the advanced book? Or are there gems in the first two books that should be covered?
HRL
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Author: GBK
Date: 2008-08-28 19:45
Book 1 and Book 2 are geared towards starting students out correctly with proper embouchure, posture, breath support, tone production, articulation and fingerings.
Although some of same basic playing skills are reviewed in Book 3, it is geared towards teaching the more accomplished player.
If you are not teaching any young students, I would probably recommend just getting Book 3 and later if you eventually want to see how he reached that level, then get Books 1 and 2...GBK
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Author: CarlT
Date: 2008-08-28 20:03
GBK (and/or others who have at least the first two), I have been taking lessons since April 3rd. I practice at least twice every day and am pleased with my progress so far. I do have a private teacher, but I have cut back to once per month lesson as he lives so far from me. I can play all notes up to high clarion and get them to sound pretty good. My lessons come from Rubank Elem. Meth I.
Would you suggest I start with Book 1, or can I skip to intermediate?
Thank you very much. As usual I appreciate the BB.
CarlT
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Author: daveclar
Date: 2008-08-31 18:15
The contents of the Advanced Book of my Clarinet Skill Builders series should be on the web site. It contains over 60 pictures that were taken by a professional photographer and many more chapters than the Beginner and Intermediate Books. Thanks so much for your interest in my books.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-08-31 18:29
Hello Carl,
I have been using the Rubank for most of my students. Where are you exactly in the book?
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: daveclar
Date: 2008-08-31 19:59
David Etheridge: Skill Builders for Clarinet
Regarding shipping charges for international orders: please wait until next week to order. At this time we will have international shipping and handling information on the web site.
Many thanks,
David Etheridge
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Author: CarlT
Date: 2008-09-01 00:58
James wrote: "I have been using the Rubank for most of my students. Where are you exactly in the book?"
James, I am on Lesson 19 and going pretty good now with 6/8 time as the lesson subject, which continues through Lesson 21. I started on April 3rd (5 months ago). Thanks for asking.
BTW I ordered the 1st two Etheridge books from Muncy Winds since I also had some more items to purchase. I figured even though I'm not a rank beginner, the first book, I am sure, will have good information for me.
CarlT
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Author: Copland
Date: 2008-09-01 01:21
These look really awesome! I'm considering getting them, either just the advanced one, or all three.
I do have one question, though... I just acquired a student (my first), and he's about a NYSMA Level 2 or 3. Would it be helpful if I got the first two books to help me in my teaching? Put differently, I'm wondering if there are tips contained in the first two books that will help me teach. Any thoughts?
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Author: johng ★2017
Date: 2008-09-01 02:39
Copland wrote : "I'm wondering if there are tips contained in the first two books that will help me teach. "
Yes, they will give you some great pointers for teaching. The titles include "For ................ Clarinetists and their teachers"
I bought all three and after some experimentation trying out some of the ideas, I am sure I will be using them with my younger students. The advanced book includes many of the concepts covered in the beginning and intermediate books, but is more thorough.
Since David has been watching this thread, I was wondering how you might envision a private teacher using your series with their students.
John Gibson, Founder of JB Linear Music, www.music4woodwinds.com
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2008-09-01 07:14
-- "Any insight about the S&H fees? I couldn't find any info on the page." --
When I try to buy them via the website, it comes up with $0 for p&p to Italy.
Somehow, I think there may be a small error. Then again, David Etheridge may just like Italians! ;-)
Steve
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Author: GBK
Date: 2008-09-01 07:29
stevensfo wrote:
> -- "Any insight about the S&H fees? I couldn't find any info on
> the page." --
>
> When I try to buy them via the website, it comes up with $0 for
> p&p to Italy.
>
> Somehow, I think there may be a small error. Then again,
> David Etheridge may just like Italians! ;-)
Previously posted above:
"...Regarding shipping charges for international orders: please wait until next week to order. At this time we will have international shipping and handling information on the web site.
Many thanks,
David Etheridge..."
...GBK
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Author: Qwackertoo
Date: 2008-09-02 16:02
I just ordered all three for my two kids. I have one just beginning and another going into 4th year of playing.
Deana
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Author: redwine
Date: 2008-09-10 21:21
Hello,
I just received my copies in the mail today and have quickly perused them. All of my old lessons started to reemerge in my memory. Dave definitely has a down to earth, no-nonsense approach to teaching (in true Oklahoma fashion) and I conclude that anyone that teaches students at any level should own this set of books as a reference. They're packaged nicely with beautiful, durable covers and the layout and printing are great. There are excellent photo examples of all components of clarinet playing and, what struck me the most, he uses actual musical examples to demonstrate his ideas. Don't get me wrong, etude examples have their place, and there are several of those in the books too, but remembering back to my learning days, when an exercise was assigned out of an etude book, it seemed like tedious work, but when the same exercise was actually from a piece of real music, it made me want to practice it. Bravo, Dr. Etheridge. Keep the books coming!
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: bmcgar ★2017
Date: 2008-09-11 07:45
GBK, Walter, et al.,
From your descriptions, it sounds as if these books are very valuable, and I intend to order them. However, does anyone have recommendations for books for intermediate students to supplement these?
Although I can't claim great knowledge of what's out there for beginner and intermediate instruction, the "contemporary" method books that I've seen have "studies" that are so short that there's no chance for these students to develop any real endurance or sense of a composition as a set of developing phrases that "go somewhere."
Criminey, some of the books I've seen that are marketed as "intermediate" methods have no exercises or excerpts longer than 64 bars, and very few have contrasting sections within each "study." Consequently, I still stick to the Rubank books and supplement them, even as soon as the second year, with stuff from Lazarus, Rose, and Langenus just so my students have a chance to develop endurance, good breathing habits, and a sense of melodic line more sophisticated than "Twinkle Twinkle."
Or am I missing something in modern clarinet pedagogy?
B.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2008-09-11 12:09
Collis - Modern Course for the Clarinet (Books 4, 5 and 6)
...GBK
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Author: GBK
Date: 2009-06-02 20:35
Dave Etheridge's series of Clarinet Skill Builders has been very well received by the clarinet community. In fact, the Advanced volume completely sold out, and Dave said he was lucky to remember and save a copy for himself.
Dave was recently in New York shooting some videos for D'Addario and we spoke at length. He is indeed revising the Advanced book, fixing corrections, adding excerpts, other teaching ideas which he omitted in the first edition, etc...
He will soon be sending me a proof of the new Advanced book to check for corrections and for my input.
Knowing Dave's thorough foundation of instruction, I am sure it will be excellent.
...GBK
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Author: donald
Date: 2009-09-01 09:10
Kia ora from New Zealand,
As a former student of Dr Etheridge i was very excited to get these in the mail earlier this year. I had intended to organise it so that my beginner students (the southern hemisphere academic year starts in Jan/Feb) however this didn't quite work out- however I have been using a number of the exercises with students (NOT photocopying the book at all i must add) and have found that they all work very well. From next year I will have my beginner students buy a copy of the first book to use alongside the tutor book i use ("Take up the Clarinet") and my own booklet of pieces I have written/compiled.
Interestingly, I haven't had much chance to look at the advanced book yet as a friend of mine commandeered it and still hasn't given it back. She was the winner of the 2008 NZ Woodwind competition, and as a perfectionist is always looking for ways to solve the little problems that others might ignore... I believe she used several chapters of the book as a "back to basics" routine when coming back to playing after a wrist injury (it seems to be the year for it- i have also had time out of playing this year with a broken wrist). From the quick look I have had at this advanced book, I am already planning lessons for some of my more advanced students.
I can highly recommend these books to both teachers and students.
dn
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Author: GBK
Date: 2009-12-10 19:40
Just an update:
David Etheridge has now published a Revised Edition of Volume 3 (Advanced Clarinet)
He has added about 70 new pages of additional teaching concepts (I especially like the new chapter on subdivision) as well as full exercises and etudes by Cavallini, Rose and Stark.
Even if you already have the previous Volume 3, the new edition is quite worthwhile for the selected exercises and etudes which he uses to reinforce specific ideas.
[ Disclaimer - I served as a proofreader for Volume 3 (as is listed in the Acknowledgements) and received copies of the series at no charge. I have no financial connection to the books. ]
...GBK
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Author: GBK
Date: 2009-12-10 21:11
A note from David Etheridge, who gave his permission for it to be posted on the bulletin board:
"...I am glad you like the books. I wish that there was a way for people to find out that the revised edition contains at least enough etude material for an entire Freshman year…or two in many cases. One of the reasons that I did the revised edition was so students would not have to buy two books. I have mentioned to some that the revised edition makes it so that the Advanced book is no longer a supplementary book. If you are able to paste this on the clarinet board that would be great..."
...GBK
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Author: sue
Date: 2010-12-13 20:02
I tried the link from GBK for David Etheridge's books but it is no longer working.
http://www.woodwindeducatorspress.org/
By googling I found this one:
http://www.woodwindeducatorspress.com
Has anyone ordered using this website? I emailed them about a week ago but I have not had any response.
Sue
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Author: davetrow
Date: 2010-12-13 23:02
Sue, the books are available from Van Cott Information Services: http://www.vcisinc.com/clarinet.htm. Their service is excellent.
Dave Trowbridge
Boulder Creek, CA
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The Clarinet Pages
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