 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Lori M
Date: 2002-03-18 17:53
Hello,
I am brand new to sneezy and hope this is the right forum to ask these questions. I've been searching thru the entries here, but haven't found the answers I'm seeking. Please forgive me in advance if there is a better place for me to raise these questions.
My 10 year old daughter has just started to play the clarinet, which delights me since I was once a fairly serious student myself. I would like to be able to provide some one on one instruction to her personally, but after a 25 year hiatus, I am little more than a student myself.
Some background... Long ago, I played solo chair throughout jr & sr high school, and was routinely in the first section of the all-county and all-state bands with the benefit of private instruction for almost 10 years. I would tinker on my sisters flute and played sax in the jazz band. I played in the pit orchestra for the hs musicals and the regular orchestra as well. Once in college, I abandoned the clarinet - I didn't want to teach and knew I wasn't good enough to play professionally. In college, I took 2 years of piano and oboe, and some theory classes as well, but majored in computer science. Seems odd, in retrospect - everyone else was a music major - I just loved the music. Once I finished school, my music career was also finished. Here we are, many years later, and with some very minimal encouragement from my daughter's band teacher, I dragged my cherished Buffet out of mothballs. He suggested that my 30 year old Portnoy mouthpiece might have warped and recommended buying a Vandoren B45. She's playing on my first Normandy 7 with a new Selmer mouthpiece, but will need to replace that clarinet - time hasn't been kind to it. Once she demonstrates that she's ready to make a commitment, I'll get her a better instrument. Seems I'm not quite ready to hand over my Buffet.
I'd like to know where I can find some information on helping her progress. So far, I simply play with her, help her work out rhythms and learn and practice new notes. If nothing else, it gets her to practice and she enjoys the special time together. She's been playing 3 or 4 months now and has been accepted into the band - other kids have been studying over a year and didn't make it yet. Since I'm not a teacher, I don't know when to introduce some supplemental studies. When I first took lessons, I remember working with the Rubank books. However, I don't have any idea what milestones she should hit before we tackle them (or something else?) I don't want to overwhelm or frustrate only encourage and nurture. Music was a huge part of my youth and I'd love to foster that love in her. Also, now my son who is 12 and in 7th grade wants to learn clarinet. When he was in elementary school, there was no band program (we've since moved), so I encouraged voice (he's not too good). Could he ever catch up enough to join the band program when the other kids have been studying 3 or 4 years? He was exposed to a summer of keyboard lessons and showed an affinity for playing.
Next part of this question is how to go about resurrecting my own clarinet studies. Since I started playing a little bit with my daughter, I have discovered this fervent desire to pick up where I left off. I dug out my old books - an Albert scale book, 416 Progressive studies by Kroepsh, 32 Rose etudes, 30 Cavallini Caprices, the Mozart Concerto, many duet books, etc. I've been playing about a month and am frankly astounded by how much came back, relatively quickly. It's been like watching someone learn in fast forward. At first, my embouchure and breath support were weak, I had late fingers and thick tonguing and kind of a ponderous style. But most of that has cleared up on its own (although I continue to find myself winded). I practice for hours, frustrated that I'm not at 100% yet, annoyed that my middle-aged body just can't keep up. I had to stop for about a week, so the swelling in my thumb could subside (that's when I turned to the internet and found sneezy). I started with Vandoren #2 1/2 reeds and recently bought a box of #3's because the notes in the altissimo range just weren't there (a former specialty of mine). Now I have a swollen lip. The beginning of a practice is much better for the high range - then my mouth gets tired. Other than that, the tone is quite pleasing, especially with the harder reeds. (Surely, the neighbors must be delighted.) I start with the Albert and Kroepsh books and then I usually linger in the Rose book. I've been working on the even numbered etudes, because they seem easier. I'm currently unemployed - (caught in the WTC aftermath) so I'm anxious to take advantage of the extra time available to do some serious catching-up. Once I'm working full-time again (I'm in HR / Staffing) I'll be limited to weekend practice. I'm sure I can stay ahead of my daughter for the forseeable future, but this has become more of a personal challenge at this point. I'm doing it for me now, which makes it very different from competing for NYSSMA, or first chair or preparing for next weeks lesson.
The last question is once I'm back up to speed, then what? What outlets are there for an adult amateur, or whatever I am? I'd love to play in a band again, but I'm not sure what level of playing I need to regain (attain?) before attempting that. I live in a suburb of NYC (North Shore of Long Island) - a mixed blessing. The local performing organizations around here are comprised of professionals and educators - even if I were to get back to where I left off, I have no where near their experience or level of expertise. As a single parent, time and money are in short supply - but I'd love to incorporate the clarinet back into my life on a long term basis. Ideally, I'd like to find a teacher for myself and my daughter, but financially (for the moment) that's just not an option. So many unfocused questions - I would really appreciate some direction.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Lori M
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Author: Jean Adler
Date: 2002-03-18 18:19
Lori,
My mom used to sit on her bed with me while I practiced my clarinet. At the time it seemed horrible, but now it is a memory I cherish. Help your daughter and show her you are interested in what she is doing. At this point I am sure you are her most important teacher. If you can model for her a good clarinet sound that will make her a better player. So many young players don't know a good clarinet sound from a duck.
Good luck. As an adult I also find it tough to find a group to play in. They are either only there to have fun or tough to break into.
Your children are lucky to have a mom who is so interested in them.
Jean
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2002-03-18 19:24
just take it one step at a time. Get your son going and you can go from one to two to three clarinets playing togeather. Won't that be fun having your very own group at home.
Welcme back
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-03-18 19:39
Lori, I suggest you get a copy of David Pino's book, *The Clarinet and Clarinet Playing*. It's now only in paperback and costs around ten dollars. Aside from a lot of information to help you, it also has a section on teaching. No doubt you could find ideas on how to help your daughter.
Regards,
John
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Author: Anne Moses
Date: 2002-03-18 21:23
Hi Lori,
It is so nice to hear your enthusiasm for music and clarinet. Since I am an adult (52) newbie, I felt that I needed a place to play when I could carry my weight. Coming from NY-Westchester-I know the depth of the community orchestras. Please. If someone put a chemical in the pits of the NY shows, there would be 10 community bands that would step in the next night. With one rehearsal.
Now that I live in N Cal and Tampa, FL, I focused on networking with community college jazz bands. I already went to a Yuba College practice. They begged me to get a bit better and saved me a seat in the sax/clarinet row. They solo around, so I'll get my turn too. My teacher and my repair tech are both 30+ yr doublers, but they like the younger atmosphere. Perhaps there is a less competitive venue for you?
My Mom loved salt water fishing. She took me out and showed me her techniques and tricks. I loved to have the time with her, and she got to enjoy one of her favorite activities. (Not bad for a woman immigrated from Moose Jaw, Sask. Canada) Later, she taught me how to drive. That fishing helped-I knew her style, her concerns, and trusted her methods. Your clarinet time can be the cement a single Mom might need someday.
Good luck with the multitude of decisions you have. And each one can be changed if it doesn't work. And not everything works out easily. Best of luck, and good health.
Anne
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-03-18 21:49
I recently took up playing clarinet again after a 12 year break - I still remember the fingerings, but my biggest challeng is regaining the "delicacy" of my finger work - also my breathing is a bit of a challenge. I'm taking it slow, real slow, and just doing a lot of "long note" exercies and scales (slowly) for a while until I regain my former glory (if I can!).
Good luck - it's like rediscovering a long lost friend.
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Author: Brian
Date: 2002-03-19 00:15
Lori- I recently began playing again after almost 14 years. I remember my school band days fondly and never realized how much I had really missed playing until I got my clarinet.
Music has a way of getting deep into your soul and it's almost like riding a bike...once you learn you never really forget. You just have to start off slow and work your way back into playing like you used to.
I agree with diz in that I can remember fingerings and most music theory but I still feel like I am fumbling around and the breathing...well all I can say is that I wish I had never started smoking! Best of luck to you and remember you are not alone in your endeavors!
Diz-What a pleasant surprise to find that you too are an "old/newbie"! I always enjoy your postings and replies. You are a very intelligent and entertaining fellow and now I almost feel like we share some kind of connection being newcomers to our old love for the clarinet. I just might have to e-mail you sometime to learn more of your thoughts and get some advice too. Feel free to contact me too...you too Lori!
Best of luck to all my fellow "old/newbies"!
Brian
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Author: Cindy
Date: 2002-03-19 02:39
You don't need to worry at all about your son starting later. In our band at school, the top four clarinets have only one person who has played over 4 years. They are mostly juniors and seniors, and the second chair only started in 8th grade. If your son is dedicated to playing, and has you to encourage him, I'm sure he will have no problem catching up. Also, I feel that one year in a high school band has a lot more affect and gives a lot more experience then even two or three years in junior high and elementary bands. Though he will be behind at first, I'm sure he will advance quickly.
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Author: Eileen
Date: 2002-03-19 04:28
I started playing clarinet in 7th grade because I had gone to Catholic grade schools which did not have band programs. After one year, I placed somewhere around 5th to 8th chair (2nd clarinet) in a large 7th-8th grade band. By the time I went to high school, I was 4th chair in the high school band. It's not too late for your son to start! The only handicap I felt in starting later than the other kids was in sight reading where my relative lack of experience showed. Or maybe I just wasn't a good sight reader.
After many years of not playing, I also have picked up my Buffet again. If the community bands/orchestras are not working out, consider contacting the music directors at your local churches. Most would be glad to have extra performers (of whatever denomination) at the services. Although the music might not be the most demanding, it could be a good way to ease back into playing with a group and keeping your chops up.
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Author: willie
Date: 2002-03-19 06:21
I started up again when my daughter started beginners band. My wife then got out her old flute and joined in. Now we all play in two different community bands and love it. Welcome back and have fun!
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Author: Bob
Date: 2002-03-19 14:08
Lori..thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. I'm sure you have found a supportive forum. I can't help you with some of your questions but I will mention that I "came back" after a 30plus year absence and have been pleased with my progress. Maybe you are "pushing" too hard as regards your practice routine....ease off a bit maybe.
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Author: Pam
Date: 2002-03-19 22:53
Welcome from another one that came back to the clarinet after about a 20 year break. I have been playing again for around 2 1/2 years and really enjoying it. I think that my skills now are better than when I was in high school. I know that private lessons have helped in that respect and maybe once you're working again that could be an option. My outlets for playing are my church orchestra where a lot of times the music is fairly easy - probably not beyond a high school level most of the time. (Although our current Easter music has proven to be a bit more difficult than what many of us are used to...)I also play in a community orchestra where many of the others are better than me, but I do pretty well.
I hope I'm not rambling. I would encourage your son to go ahead and begin on the clarinet if he wants to. I have found that in my case clarinet is my first instrument but I have also learned to play in the last few years the piano and flute. It isn't as hard when you are adding on instruments, because you have some musical knowledge to begin with.
Best regards,
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