 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Philip Caron
Date: 2011-07-07 20:47
I've never attended a ClarinetFest before, and I'm thinking of attending this year's festival in L.A. I'm hoping to hear good clarinetists and to try out some mouthpieces and instruments, and maybe informally play if opportunity arises.
I note there is a registration fee of $150. What does this purchase? Does one need to be registered to attend recitals or visit exhibits?
I'll be a babe in the woods there. Any advice for a festival newbie? My tourist needs should be largely satisfied close to the festival, but given that most hotels are a couple miles away from there, I'm unsure whether to rent a car or rely on public transportation.
Thanks in advance.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2011-07-08 07:17
Public transportation in L.A. is abysmal. If you're lucky, you'll be close to the route and not require many transfers, but it's pretty normal for people to take multiple hours to get places, especially when buses run behind schedule. Just from a hotel to CSUN, you might be all right, but also note that some routes don't run very late. Taxis are rare, you usually need to call them in advance. If you're not renting a car, it'd probably be wise to make friends with someone who can drive you home at night, just in case.
From the Warner Center (where there's a Fest-recommended Marriott), looks like maybe 35-45 minutes if you take the Orange Line to the 741, though you could probably find a motel closer.
$150 ($175 now) gets you into all presentations and concerts and exhibit halls.
I'd recommend to pace yourself... very easy to get complete clarinet burnout/overload by the end of the first day. Should be a good year, tons of great performers and presentations [full disclosure: myself included] and I think it's the most exhibitors the Fest has seen.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: Philip Caron
Date: 2011-08-13 16:57
Thanks to the responders. When I added up numbers the trip was more than I could afford. Instead, I spent 5 days in NYC, which came out still very expensive, but not as.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2011-08-13 18:23
Ended up costing about $2400 in all - before meals.
Air, car, hotel, registration, university parking.
But the experience was great. LA is a great city with gorgeous environs. I got there 3 days early to hang out, and see some sights. The festival was intense.
Lots of great concerts.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Philip Caron
Date: 2011-08-13 18:48
I'd rounded the numbers, estimating food, purchases, and possible touristy stuff, to $3000. NYC (to which I could drive) came out about half that.
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Author: donald
Date: 2011-08-13 19:45
The dorm came to about $50 a night- with a swimming pool and a nice 15min walk to the fest.
dn
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Author: Philip Caron
Date: 2011-08-13 19:50
Less expensive nearby hotels I looked into (first in L.A., then in NYC,) got bad reports on bedbug alert sites. I don't know if I'm being overly paranoid on that.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2011-08-13 22:06
The hotel I stayed at had mixed reviews on such sites, but ended up being quite good (granted, I didn't get to choose the hotel, as I named a price on Priceline). It also had a full kitchen and extensive breakfast. Keep in mind that people are more prone to leave reviews after a bad stay than a good one. Also keep in mind that you probably wouldn't be staying in the room too much.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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