The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Gary Van Cott
Date: 2002-11-08 18:31
I believe that at the New Orleans ClarinetFest in 2001 the attendance was about 1,000. At the National Flute Association convention held in August 2002 in Washington DC I understand the attendance was about 2,700.
Does anyone have any thoughts on why these numbers are so different? Is it all location? Are the flutists doing something different? What do we need to do to get more people to ClarinetFest?
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Author: Clarinetqween
Date: 2002-11-08 18:46
I am looking foward to Tokyo in 2 years......
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2002-11-08 19:55
I believe that there were 1100 in New Orleans and I don't know what the goal of the ICA was, but the number was about perfect, as far as i was concerned. There were a couple of events that they wouldn't have been able to handle any more. (the river boat cruise was over flowing) and the hotel was over booked. So maybe fest was sold out in 2001.
Book early for 2003. I plan to make my reservation as soon as we can.
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Author: William
Date: 2002-11-08 21:44
Too expensive for me relative to what I would "get out of it." I would rather take the money I would spend on a New Orleans or Tokyo ClarinetFest and buy new instruments, equipement, or spend time on a lake in northern Wisconsin casting for muskies. Just my own priorities I guess...............(at my old age)
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Author: jeroboam
Date: 2002-11-08 22:15
By the way, does anyone know--or are there at least any rumors about--where the ClarinetFest will be in 2004 (i.e. between Salt Lake City in 2003 and Tokyo in 2005)?
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Author: Jean
Date: 2002-11-09 00:04
One can assume in the US somewhere. Don't they run it two in the US and then one abroad? Any suggestions? I wanted desperately to go to Stockholm but the price was waaay out of reach. While I plan to go to Salt Lake City, I agree with William about the price.
Perhaps the flute "fest" doesn't cost as much?
Jean
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2002-11-09 00:42
I sure got my money worth at New Orleans. There was so much to see, and listen to. I met some great people (at least one) and didn't spend to much money on new toys. I'm sure that Salt lake will be a differant story. It will be held at a University campus rather then in a first class hotel. I will be there and looking forward to it.
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Author: Gary Van Cott
Date: 2002-11-09 03:10
I understand there will be dorm rooms available in Salt Lake City as there were in Oklahoma, so Salt Lake City shouldn't be nearly as expensive as New Orleans.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2002-11-09 04:15
Having gone to the flute convention in August, I'm surprized that as many as 2700 went. It did not seem as well attended as one I went to a few years back. The cost of the flute convention is usually somewhat more as many of the people stay in relatively expensive hotels, unless your daughter lives nearby as mine does.
I expect to go the Salt Lake City convention in 2003, especially if the costs are kept down.
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Author: Rob
Date: 2002-11-09 22:25
The east coast of the US (the location of Washington, D.C. - for the geographically and gepolitically challenged)includes a large concentration of population and a transportation infrastructure that is far superior to anything available in the rest of the country. The combination of high population (you can drive there from NYC in about 4 hours and from Philadelphia in about 2.5 to 3 hours) and significantly greater transportation options for the 10 million or so folks who live within a few hours drive could have easily been responsible for the large turnout. The idea that a convention held in a great tourist destination will generate a high rate of participation is bogus. People still have to find a way to get there and when the only practical means of arrival is by air, you're embarking on an expensive adventure. I would not expect a big turnout in SLC because there is really nothing much else around it that creates a large population base. I had to go to SLC on business once. I pray that I never have to go there again. Suffice it to say, I spent a week there one night. If ClarinetFest is ever held someplace where it won't cost we a few hundred dollars just top get there, then maybe I'll attend.
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Author: ~ jerry
Date: 2002-11-10 00:53
William wrote:
"I would rather take the money I would spend on a New Orleans or Tokyo ClarinetFest and buy new instruments, equipement, or spend time on a lake in northern Wisconsin casting for muskies."
As badly as I wanted to go to NO, I took William's way out and spent the money on a fine clarinet to replace my Vito -- which I really needed more than a visit to NO, been there and it's fun but.....
....been to SLC too. Rob, it's not THAT bad. Would like to attend at least one Fest just to meet some of you nice guys (and gals too, of course).
........luv WI, William -- been there too; when we goi'n fish'n?
~ jerry
Still in clarinet boot camp.
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2002-11-10 01:40
For me going to fest is about going to fest. Not seeing the rest of the area. When we were in New Orleans the only time we went out of the hotel was for breakfest. The rest of the day was run, run.
There is quite a lot to see in Salt Lake if you want to spend some extra time. The mountains are outstanding, and of course you have the normal tourest areas.
Hope to see a lot of you there.
When i asked the question a few months ago about 7 or 8 said they plan on attending.
Will ask again in January.
bob
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2002-11-10 01:58
Of course I sell my wares at Clarinefest but also find it to be totally worthwhile because of the personal contacts, ability to ask those little nagging questions of real professionals, and enjoy the best clarinet playing on the planet. I have found that in order to get the most from these events you have to be an active participant in the sense that you must formulate your needs and desires before hand and actively pursue the people or vendors that have the answers. If you are trying to make a decision about a new horn from the big 4 or the alternative custom clarinet makers you can try all of them out to your heart's content at the Clarinetfest venue and get the best price of the year. We all create our own style of playing over time but the range and musicality of the performances will broaden any players potential universe of interpretation. I have made new friends and seen customers that I only knew from the black and white of their order forms which is a truely gratifying and "warm and fuzzy" feeling for me. If you have not been to one - try it out, if you have been before - come again with a purpose and a plan to fully receive the benefits.
The Doctor
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Author: nzdonald
Date: 2002-11-10 10:17
me looking foward to Clarinetfest 2003.... i find its location perfect- once the fest bit is over (and 5 days of intense clarinet-nerd activity), time to go tramping ("hiking") and enjoy at least a week of summer before returning to the southern hemisphere winter. San Fran on the way home, maybe a day surfing on the coast? Oh yeah, an afternoon at Mavericks with my telephoto lens.
plus, i can write off the airfare as a tax deductible expense, heh heh heh!
donald
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Author: Judy
Date: 2002-11-10 12:40
Gary - It is not all location. The week that is chosen is a more decisive factor for some than cost in making the decision about whether or not to attend. Mid August, after music festivals and camps have ended but before the school year starts, is better for many students and professionals than July (when they are working and performing). I realize that you are comparing two conventions that were both held in August. However, I know of several New Orleans Clarinet Fest attendees who could not consider Stockholm, and will not consider Salt Lake because of the timing. Before considering cost, first the timing has to work.
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2002-11-10 16:51
Judy: fest will be held in July not August. I would have perfered August, but July will work.
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Author: LynnB
Date: 2002-11-15 17:50
I would love to go but I'm in music camp those same dates! Darn it.
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