 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Amanda Rose
Date: 2000-11-19 17:01
Hello,
I've been off and on here ever since I purchased my clarinet this summer. Well, now, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Amanda. I live in a small town in Wisconsin with a large and quite well known music program. I'm a high school junior and a self-described "band geek". I am the lead in our school's Wind Ensemble, which came as a total shocker to me since the other 5 Bb's, the Eb, the basses, contra, and alto are all seniors.
I finally began taking private lessons with a worthwhile teacher. I've gotten tons better, I believe. Plus, I finally got a good clarinet. I have an R13, silver keys, Pyne mouthpiece, and Vandoren Optimum ligature, all which I have been extremely pleased with.
I spend close to two and half hours a day in my school's band wing. I play during every study hall and am also a member of the top jazz ensemble. I play alto sax II, clarinet (for Ellington stuff), and recently picked up flute and pic as needed, but I'm pretty horrible at the last two. I just do them to make my band director happy. :o)
I'm decent enough at marching band, although the seniors like to pick on me because I'm lead and but they can yell at me 'cause they're older. I don't know. :oP I hope to drum major next year, but I don't know if that will happen or not.
Funny side note: I played the Mozart Concerto for solo and ensemble my sophomore year. I got a 1* on it and was going to state. Then, I chipped my teeth in a dancing accident (I dance most forms of classical dance) and wasn't able to play for about a month. I ended up going to state just to prove to myself that I could still play. I got a 2, but was not too disappointed, considering the circumstances.
I have TMJ (jaw stuff), braces, fake front teeth (one with a root canal), braces to correct my bottem teeth so they don't dig into my lip when I play, and carpal tunnel in my right wrist and thumb. Ah well.... they tribulations of playing the best instrument (hehehe!).
Anyway, that's me... if you're still reading, I am very impressed. :o)
Amanda Rose
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Yusuf Zaid
Date: 2000-11-19 17:48
Hi Amanda,
My name is Yusuf Zaid, I'm 56, from England and I've just started playing clarinet.
I think your fortitude is to be commended and I wish you every success for the future. Keep us informed.
Yusuf
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bill
Date: 2000-11-19 18:01
I read your report with great interest. It is good to hear about your enthusiasm and dedication to playing the clarinet, and other instruments. I wish you the best, and look forward to hearing future reports.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Robert Gifford
Date: 2000-11-19 18:16
Hi, I'm 17, and a Freshman in College. I remember my fond memories of High School Band, 300 person marching band, 5 concert bands. I've played clarinet since I was in 6th grade, I played Alto Sax since 8th grade. I started playing Contra (the only person that could play it) when they learned I could play it. I went to State on Contra (I live in Tx, so that was a really big feat), and I actually made it, except I coulden't make the performance :( oh well, I guess my backup got it. Now I'm in College, and I play for a local orchestra... unfortunatly I have to provide my own insturment. I just dished out 2,300 for a Buffet R-13 Vintage, I love it, but it does cost quite a bit. Well thats my story...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-11-19 18:41
Welcome, Amanda, I echo the good wishes above, and invite you to the chat this afternoon [3pm for CST] . To respond like the others, I've played the clarinets and saxes [even oboe and English Horn!] for 71 of my 81 years and am still having a great time with church [and some Symp.] orchestras and a fine community Band in Tulsa OK, which has a web site now!! Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Nate Zeien
Date: 2000-11-19 23:50
Welcome! Well, your story is certainly an interesting one. One thing I must say - Your determination and attitude will bring you far, even if your luck doesn't! :-) -- Nate Zeien
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: DLE
Date: 2000-11-20 11:26
Wow I'm impressed, and a little envious too. 3 years ago, I quit b-flat clarinet for about 4 months because I was having severe fitness problems that effected my breathing control, and my standing position whilst playing. It took alot of parental encouragement and courage out of me to get back into playing, 'cause I was very demoralized. Now I double on the Bass clarinet, and am thinking of taking up performing professionally. (I'm 17) If I would have had half your guts, I would be alot better than I am now.
PS - No questions about my fitness please, it's a long and boring topic that just never ends.
DLE.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Rasmussen
Date: 2000-11-21 03:59
Amanda, the Kooiman Maestro thumbrest might help your hand and arm problems. Overuse injuries are no joke. You'd rather break a leg.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Natalie UK
Date: 2000-11-21 12:32
Well hi! I'm from England! I've actually just come back from the USA (Denver) and experienced first hand your Marching Bands, as my partner was in the Colour Guard. It's something we don't have in England, and it's a pity, cos I was really impressed!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: S.Koumas
Date: 2000-11-21 22:09
Hi Amanda,
Like a few of the others above i am also 17 and from England (London).
I play the Bb Clarinet (A cheap Yamaha one) and have been playing for a year so far. I am just about to do my Grade 4 Clarinet exam! In England we have exams to test out abbilities on our chosen instrument and theory! I also have been playing the Bass Clarinet and Tenor Sax for a about 6 months and have been playing the Piano for a few years! Too be honest im not actually that good on the instruments but i really enjoy playing a variety!
Well, thats me also!
Take care!
S.Koumas!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
