The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

RE: When to buy wooden clarinet

Author: Dee
Date: 2001-10-30 15:57

I am going to make a plea to refer to student clarinets as student clarinets rather than by the material from which they are most commonly made (plastic). Many students, teachers, and parents will otherwise be led astray by this and end up buying some old junker of a Pan American student wood thinking that they have a "better" clarinet because it is wood. A modern plastic Vito or B-12, etc will beat such horns hands down.

I certainly agree that any one who is serious (and I include many who only play for their own pleasure and other such amateurs here) should have the best they can afford but goals and financial resources must be considered. Of course if one doesn't have to consider cost, then a person can do what they choose. However most people in the world have to prioritize their wants and needs. This must be sacrificed for that.

As a parent, my child would have to convince me that this would be a regular part of not only their high school life but also beyond. This would include not only verbal persuasion but actions such as dedicated practice, perhaps joining community groups (time permitting), jamming with friends or family members and so on. Perhaps they would have to contribute to its purchase (I bought my pro horn out of very hard earned babysitting money with no monetary contribution by the folks).

If on the other hand, the band director or teacher or student, tells me they MUST have a pro horn to advance but I see insufficient evidence of interest, then I would not make such an investment. The student that doesn't practice isn't going to get any better by switching horns although I will admit that, in some cases, the student might be additionally motivated but I would not risk my money on that. Prove it first then get the reward.

Yes good equipment is a joy but I cannot believe that a well set up student horn from one of our four major makers is going to stop a student's progress. It might not be quite as easy but it isn't an absolute obstacle. I've played my Vito in the concert band for bad weather gigs and people were surprised they could not tell it from a higher grade horn. I did notice in playing the horn that I had to work a bit harder at it but not to the extent that it hampered my playing. I've played my Bundy Eb soprano and people complimented me on the tone and were surprised to learn that it was a Bundy.

But you see, from the day I started until I graduated high school (8 years), I put in that hour a day almost every day that the band teacher wanted everyone to do. Due to the press in time in college in studying engineering and many commitments thereafter, I didn't play for over 20 years, but when I picked it up again I could still play decently. It was the early and dedicated practice that was the key.

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics