The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Robert Carrillo
Date: 2001-01-05 18:38
Okay, this is kind of a subjective and odd question and it is directed primarily at people who went from Interlochen Arts Academy to majoring in clarinet at a good music school or conservatory. I go to the Academy right now and have been somewhat dissapointed with the band there. I was wondering if when you get to college/conservatory you finally feel like you are in a really good ensemble (whether you're in Wind Ensemble or an Orchestra). I just really yearn to be in a great ensemble. Granted, the Orchestra here at Interlochen is EXCELLENT...I'm just not in it. If anyone can make sense of this question I'd really appreciate a response.
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Author: Julia
Date: 2001-01-05 20:06
If you pick a challenging school, and are good enough to get into the top ensemble, than I would say yes...because the music should be challenging. One thing to look at that I think is really important is the types of music that the top ensembles play at a given conservatory---If you don't like any of the music it is harder (at least for me and most people I know) to feel like you are in a really good ensemble.
Good luck, and let us know where you'll be going:)
Julia
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-01-05 22:00
Robert -
Cod liver oil time.
The IAA is pretty competitive, so you know what you'll be up against when you go to a conservatory. If there are people who play better than you do at IAA, they'll go into a conservatory still ahead of you, not to mention the good players who've already been at the conservatory 2 or 3 years. I learned how far I was from the top when I went to the summer Interlochen music camp and heard Alan Balter and Larry Combs.
So -- at a conservatory, you will probably start off in the "second" band, which will be at about the same level as the top band at IAA. The fact is, you'll be coming from behind, and it will probably take a couple of years to make it into an excellent group.
It's perfectly possible that your playing will "take off" in college, or even later. An inspiring teacher and spending your life in the practice room can do this, and it's certainly too soon to give up, even though you have a ways to go.
Keep at it, and keep us informed.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Hat
Date: 2001-01-06 23:18
Could you tell me what is going on with the band at IAA? I have a personal interest in what went on with last summer's band director search and I never did find out who was hired. Please tell me about him/her and why there is another search going on this year.
I graduated from the Academy in 1986 after 3 years there. Spent 1 1/2 years in both band and orchestra. I was able to leave the Academy and go directly into the studio of Robert Marcellus at Northwestern, which was great good fortune. All of my professional success has been due to my time at those two institutions.
Basically, you can learn a lot at IAA even if you don't make the orchestra. Listen to Hawkins, he knows what he's doing. And practice as much as you possibly can stand. Lots of Baermann III is what I (and my teacher, Mr. Marcellus) recommend. It will never hurt. And take advantage of the recordings in the music library. Listening to lots of recordings of all kinds of music certainly broadened my horizons.
David Hattner, NYC
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-01-06 23:40
Well, you';ve heard from a couple of excellent clarinetists ... alumni.
I have a daughter who has talked of going to IAA on a fulltime basis. She has gone the last 3 summers and enjoyed the experience, although she has worked her tail off in the practice rooms while there. Now in 9th grade, she'll be auditioning shortly for high school bands at IAA this coming summer.
I have talked to Leslie about IAA and the hard work & dedication that would be required, not to mention the economic sacrifices we'd have to make as a family to get her there. On the other hand, only the best players make WYSO.
As I have told Leslie, there is no better time to work your tail off, than right now!
AND, if you don't try & grab that ring on this merry-go-round called life, nobody is going to grab it for you!
mw
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2001-01-06 23:54
Most of you know my son is an alumni of IAA. He graduated nearly 2 years back after 3 years there and is currently studying with Franklin Cohen at CIM.
Hawkins has an amazing placement rate for his students; almost all his students get into the conservatory/ university/ college of their choice.
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Author: PAM
Date: 2001-01-09 04:11
I went to Interlochen and then picked up a degree from Shepherd School at Rice University. The Shepherd Symphony Orchestra is top notch, and there is no wind ensemble at Rice, so you'd never have to play in another band again. Everyone plays in the orchestra. The clarinet studio is small and almost impossible to get into as an undergrad, but it might be worth a shot.
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