 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jordan.1210
Date: 2018-06-13 13:00
So I've been playing clarinet since 4th grade, I'm a 2nd year non-music major in college now (11 years) and I'm looking to take my playing a little more seriously.
I would call myself a recreational player probably around a more advanced high school level at best. I'm mostly self-taught, with some help from peers or my music directors in school but no personal lessons. Please don't judge me, I've enjoyed playing instruments but it's taken until now to have a drive to get better. I'm looking for exercises/pieces to practice to get better and have more repertoire under my belt. I don't expect to get to pro level by any means but advance my playing and keep playing more symphonic/traditional music (compared to what I play now) with possibility of joining local groups later.
Thanks in advance
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2018-06-13 13:43
Well if you are in college ask of of the music majors for help. Maybe pay them a few bucks for a lesson ever 2 or 4 weeks. Or weekly, depending how serious you are. College kids always need money!
Have your horn checked out by the student for pad leaks, the mouthpiece for nicks and chips, to help you have fun playing. If a horn is not in good working condition it's not fun to play and practice.
Community bands are always looking for players around your level and they normally give 3 or 4 concerts a year so there isn't too much stress, just fun. A lot of band music has been rewritten from great orchestra compositions and great composers. Beethoven, Mozart, Copland, all of them. Mendelsohn. The list is endless. There will be better player than you and worse player as well. That's what makes it fun, you want to get better.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: ClarinetRobt
Date: 2018-06-13 22:20
Jordan:
Bob's advise is spot on. Scout out some clarinet majors and barter for lessons if cash is tight. (I'd start with a six-pack for an hour lesson, but markets vary.)
If you're not quite up to playing in one of the university's bands, I love the idea of a community group. I bet you can grab a 3rd clarinet folder just about anywhere. Be a great opportunity to start getting you bearings. Not to mention there will surely be some experienced players to answer any question and make suggestions. I suspect once you're in, all sorts of opportunities will open up for you.
~Robt L Schwebel
Mthpc: Behn Vintage
Lig: Ishimori, Behn Delrin
Reed: Legere French Cut 3.75/4, Behn Brio 4
Horns: Uebel Superior (Bb,A), Ridenour Lyrique, Buffet R13 (Eb)
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Author: Episkey
Date: 2018-06-13 22:23
Do you have an email address? I'd be happy to give you a free Skype lesson or two.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2018-06-14 05:08
Your story is SOOO freakin' similar to mine!!!
I played clarinet through middle school and HS, and after some college wanted to get back into it and get better. You came to the right place!!!
My advice? Have fun!!! Play some old familiars to get back into it, and I'd stick with the classics.
If you're looking for repertoire, I'd look at "all state" lists. Many states have an "all state" music list of recommended solos or excerpts. That's usually some great standard rep to start with, not crazy hard to get good music out of it (it IS designed for top HS instead of top college), and work on that.
And browse this board! There's a section called "Keepers" which will have a lot of great exercises and discussions.
I ended up getting more and more into it until I looked into ways to do it as a job which led me to being an Army musician. But I'm VERY excited you are getting into it a little more!!!
Last piece of advice I'd like to offer is don't shy from local community groups. It gives you a goal, a sense of belonging to a bigger musical entity, and can help motivate you to do just a little better while still building some great relationships.
Enjoy!!!
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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