 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: traysee
Date: 2002-12-29 02:06
I need your words of wisdom here. In college, I was playing all the time-I was principal of the concert band/wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, played in a woodwind trio, had outside gigs, etc. After college, I let myself quit enough where now there is nothing except playing twinkle twinkle little star with my students and the summer community band. How do one keeps themself motivated when there is no extrinsic factor?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Kat
Date: 2002-12-29 04:22
Find yourself a group. Find any musicians you can. Doesn't matter what they play. (Of course, your transposition skills can improve greatly from this kind of thing!) Just get together and jam. Even if you're classically trained, you can have a ball with folk tunes, jazz standards, or even pop stuff!
Don't worry if you won't have a gig from this. Just take the time to enjoy playing with others! It'll keep your chops up for when you've got bigger gigs...
My $.02,
Katrina
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Willie
Date: 2002-12-29 04:49
I was a music major till I had to get an emergency 4-way bypass just before finals, so I had to quit for a while. I now play in two different community bands and the church orchestra and enjoy it. It keeps my chops up and I get to have fun making music. Plus I still get get to hang around with some of the greatest people and wackiest musicians you could posibly imagine.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: kenabbott
Date: 2002-12-29 10:59
I have scheduled a recital. It keeps me focussed. I've chosen pieces that are just a bit beyond my grasp so I have to work at them.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2002-12-29 15:46
My first teaching "gig" was in a small town, central Wisconsin, the "middle of nowhere" as far as playing opportunities go. So I commuted two nights a week and on weekends to play--Tues: 80 miles round trip for orchestra; Thurs: 160 mile round trip for concert band. The time spent driving was well worth the effort to maintain my incentive to practice and continue improvement. Fortunately, that isolated situation only lasted one year, as i moved to the Milwaukee area the following year for a new teaching position and a lot more playing opportunites. You just have to "look around." Check with other band directors in niehboring communities, the music store in a nearby large city, your local musicians union or some of the other members of your "summertime only" band. someone should have a lead.
It is difficult to impossible to maintain one's incentive to play music if there is no one to share it with. I'll be interested to read other viewpoints--possibley from a "hermit musician", if some such artician exists.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: traysee
Date: 2002-12-29 15:48
A couple of you said play in a group-I would love to to that but there really isn't any around. I could always go and play as an alumnus of my college band but I would end up playing 3rd part since there are already too many first and seconds. I know I shouldnt complain because at least I do have that but I love being challanged and if Im playing music that (at least to me) is pretty simple and we still have to play it over and over because others around me cant play it-I get bored. But of course, that is a problem I have to get over. I decided I am going to do the recital. I doubt if I will ever play the music in public but it is something to work for. I think I am going to try Joan Tower Wings(i think that is what it is called, I'm at work so I dont have the music in front of me) I played it as a senior in college and the best I can say about it is that I made it through the piece without passing out. thanks again for all the people that wrote me
traysee
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-12-29 16:59
traysee -
The college band is for people in the college, who are paying tuition. You shouldn't expect to sit 1st chair, even if you're the best player. The best to hope for is last chair 1st.
Frankly, you would do the band more good by sitting 2nd chair 2nd, where you can be the Rock of Gibraltar, holding the rest of the section together.
I prefer to play bass or contra, where I can provide a foundation, or even alto, where I can be in the middle and hear everything. I take my example from Mozart, who preferred to play viola in a string quartet, even though he was one of the finest violinists in Europe.
If you're good enough to play Wings, you're a heck of a player. You're always going to be playing with people who can't keep upp with you. Even if only to satisfy yourself, you need to start doing more than simply playing your best. You have to help other people play their best.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Anonymous
Date: 2002-12-29 17:38
A group that is at your ability level.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dan
Date: 2002-12-29 17:52
Traysee, I'm that "hermit musician" William spoke of. I'm almost 56 and haven't lost interest since I first heard that "tone" when I was an early teenager. I play strictly for personal pleasure. My note reading is terrible and I would probably bomb out pretty fast in any kind of a group.
So what keeps me tootin'? My answer is almost laughably simple: the sound of the clarinet just mesmerizes me. I just love the tone it produces. I can feel a kind of a "high" just playing scales or really long notes. I've heard of "music minus one" and may try it out just to see if I'd enjoy it.
If I really want to "fly high", all I have to do is put on a Pete Fountain CD. For me, it works like magic.
So, Traysee, my suggestion is to look deep within yourself. What really "turns you on musically?" What "lights your fire?" All of the above response are truly good...for them (IMO). But, What would really work FOR YOU?
I believe the answer lies in your past. When were you the happiest? Who were you with? What kind of music were you playing? Exactly what was it about the musical situation that made it "magical" for you?
IMO, only you can answer these questions.
Good luck.
Dan
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Marge
Date: 2002-12-29 21:33
Can you be instrumental in creating a fall-through-spring community concert band, with at least some of your summertime band's members as a core group? That's what I/we did a little over a year ago, in a rather unlikely area for such (low-population, small-town/rural part of Maryland). When we were cooking it up in Sept. 2001, there was hardly a certainty that such a new band would fly, though a community marching (summer-events-oriented) band had thrived for nine years by then. But, as it turned out, some in the marching band indeed were interested in playing more than march music, and others we'd not known about came out of the woodwork to join us. We publicized the new band every way we could think of within a 50-mile radius (and still do). Our first rehearsal, in early Oct. 2001, drew 30 (I'd have been thrilled with 20), and we now number 45 (which still sort of amazes me), with the oldest 91 and the youngest 11. Of course, the decision to ask a particular person to be musical director, and his willingness to serve (with no pay), was key to the whole enterprise. We were very fortunate that this very excellent public-school music teacher was so supportive (and perhaps at the "right" time in his career and personal life for this). He's done very well with choosing music for instrumentalists with a wide range of experience and abilities--at least some to challenge the better players and help them grow, mixed with some seemingly easier pieces whose notes virtually all can play comfortably but which rely on interpretation and musicianship for effectiveness. Our members seem to take their participation very seriously, with an excellent rate of attendance and good attention to the musical direction offered--unlike some other bands I've been in.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: traysee
Date: 2002-12-29 22:42
I never expected or wanted to play first chair-or for that matter even play first part. I dont even mind playing second part-it is that I would be on third. Please forgive me, I dont explain myself very well sometimes. I understand that it is important to be "the Rock of Gibralter". I also try to help others play their best. My point was that it is hard to keep that motivation for myself when there isnt anything to push me to be better than I am. Perhaps it is time for me to get out of Iowa. I dont know. Marge's idea of starting an all-year community band does perk my interest. I dont know how many people around here that would be interested but it may be worth the try. I would just like to thank all of you again for sharing your wisdom.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: eilidh
Date: 2002-12-29 23:26
I would keep going for lessons too, that tends to keep me motivated and keep me practising, I also personally find that preparing for exams keeps me motivated, if I don't have something to aim for then I tend not to practise. Also again the group thing, it means you have to keep practising or find somewhere to play even if it's doing a gig in an old folks home or something, if you can find an accompanist, at least it means you are playing for an audience and they usually appreciate it although I have found they have really clear ideas of what they want you to play for them, and it's usually not what you have just played lol
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: eilidh
Date: 2002-12-29 23:27
Oh btw playing in a community band helps also, our band website is www.dcb-glasgow.freeserve.co.uk
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2002-12-30 00:20
Traysee,
A few other options you might consider:
1. Continuing private lessons with a really good musician/teacher -- perhaps with the clarinet instructor at your alma mater either as a non-degree student or simply as a private student outside the university.
2. If starting a community band seems daunting, perhaps you could try putting together a woodwind quintet from members in the summer band (and perhaps the university). There is quite a bit of good, challenging (and inexpensive) music available. Also performance opportunities (retirement communities, churches, weddings, parties). If that doesn't work, another possibility might be a clarinet quartet.
3. (Someone else on the list can probably provide contact information for this one.) There is an international chamber music association that serves as a clearing house for musicians who wish to form a group or simply get together and play. You might try contacting/joining them to see if there are any musicians in your area who belong. You might even find a string quartet to play Mozart, Brahms, etc. quintets with.
4. Listen to recordings of solo pieces for clarinet. When you find a piece you like, get the sheet music and add it to your repertoire. You never know when a chance to perform it may come along.
Best regards,
jnk
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Marge
Date: 2002-12-30 00:37
Do check out Ron Boerger's "Community Music" website, which is kind of information-central for community bands and orchestras.
http://www.boerger.org/c-m/
I discovered it when first thinking of a community concert band for our area, and promptly joined the site's mailing/discussion list (listserv), in which some who frequent this BB also participate. I've found the postings (and archives) very interesting and helpful, partly for nuts-and-bolts info on community-band operation, partly for other reasons.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Marge
Date: 2002-12-30 00:45
I should also have pointed out that a community band or orchestra can provide the framework for small-group ensembles, whose efforts are then showcased within the larger group's concert programs. Our new community band didn't try that during the first year (enough else to do), but has begun to do so in our second year, with good results.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Carol Dutcher
Date: 2002-12-30 03:55
It is difficult for me to stay motivated too. I have one student. That helps. I go to Trad Jazz twice a month. That helps. Also I have Jamie Aerbersole CD's which are really fun for improvising. I rehearse with an accordion player. Once in awhile I get a new music book or a new clarinet CD. But still sometimes I'm in limbo. Once I get the clarinet out of the case I'm okay, but procrastination is my middle name unless a gig is coming up, and then I go the other way and get totally obsessed. I think I should be practicing one hour per day, but for the last week I have not practiced at all. We don't have a New Year's Eve gig this year and I'm unhappy about that.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: bob gardner
Date: 2002-12-30 04:24
i just want to make myself happy by getting better. i play alone most of the time, but I set my goal to learn to play the clarinet when i retired and that is what i'm attemping to do.
Just do it for YOU
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hank
Date: 2002-12-30 12:05
Hi Traysee,
There are some great suggestions above but let me tell you about a thing they do at my university. The second concert band is made up primarily of those that did not make the top band and can now be playing first parts in a less stressful setting. But a bulk of teh players are also music majors playing a second or third instrument.
Think about it, you could slide over to bass clarinet (the school probably has school instruments for you to use) or since you are a music grad, maybe it's time to play a baritone horn, trombone, or trumpet.
One of the best times I ever had was playing tuba in a summer college band and as a sax player, I played 1st clarinet in the second concert band one term. I think that adventure really galvanized my love for clarinet (not that I don't still prefer sax).
I am in the process of setting up a woodwind quintet for the community band I play in. It was easy, I spent a few bucks for some music, picked the best players (guess who will play the clarinet part), and we start rehearsals in January. Object is to be showcased at some of our summer concerts when the band needs a bit of a rest.
Hey, playing duets is also cool. Keep the beverages handy for breaks.
Regards
Hank
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hans
Date: 2002-12-30 14:21
Dan,
Re MMO
I bought my first Music Minus One about 40 years ago (I'm 57). They were the best thing I could find then, but now there are many more of these things available with CD accompaniments. Hal Leonard Corp. has quite a few. The one I have in front of me at the moment includes Call me irresponsible, Cry me a river, East of the sun, Here's that rainy day, I left my heart in San Francisco, I'll be seeing you, If I were a bell, In a sentimental mood, Isn't it romantic?, Misty, etc..... Warner Bros. has some good ones too, including Ellington and Gershwin editions (my favourites). I have found some that were written for vocalists but included titles that I wanted and I use a music creation program to transpose the music and create extra parts so that I can play it on clarinet, alto, or tenor sax. For someone who is not inclined to commit to a group but still likes to play (like me), these things are fun and satisfying.
Hans
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Anonymous
Date: 2002-12-30 15:15
Not being afraid to continue with the fundamentals. These are scales, long tones, and arpeggios. I do that and I am on a medical leave of absence.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Anonymous
Date: 2002-12-30 15:18
And keep the momentum going; if you are interested. Play for fun. Do you have any jazz, pop, or movie/tv theme books? These keep me motivated because I am playing music that I know how to play. Especially Disney.
Happy New Year.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Anonymous
Date: 2002-12-30 15:32
In other words: Jam session. ;=)
Happy New Year.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2002-12-30 16:27
Play a different Bach transcription each day.
Bach rejuvenates the spirit and keeps you humble.
Pablo Casals took the above approach and lived to 97...GBK
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Pegel
Date: 2002-12-30 17:18
First of all I should say that I taught myself to transpose in my head.
I take literature for all different instruments- flute, baritone, piano, clarinet, trumpet, French horn, even tuba. Then I sit down and flip through them and find something that looks halfway challenging, or even just different. I sightread it, find parts to work on. I found out by diong this you learn the differences between etudes for some instruments and etudes for others. (For example, the etudes for tuba I looked at last week tend to have extensive jumps and off rhythms, while the flute etudes I read yesterday focus more on velocity and breath support.)
I stay motivated by finding something new every day to work on. If I can't find something new, I write something. I have found that no matter what I write or what I read, there is always something I need to work on, something that isn't perfect. I study these every day and try to find something I was doing wrong. I guess you could say I stay motivated by being a perfectionist even with stuff that is technically impossible.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2002-12-30 19:05
GBK wrote:
"Play a different Bach transcription each day.
Bach rejuvenates the spirit and keeps you humble.
Pablo Casals took the above approach and lived to 97."
Pablo didn't have to worry about where to breathe! ;^)
Best regards,
jnk
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2002-12-30 19:09
Jack...I never considered that!!
Good retort - I'm still chuckling.
Happy New Year from the East Coast ...GBK
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: william ainsworth
Date: 2002-12-30 20:50
Hello Dan;
I am like you and love the tone of the clarinet. Pete Fountain is great and I also have Albert Nicholas with the Henri Chaix trio in Switzerland that I listen to over and over. I recently posted asking about whether it was worth it to practice all the major and minor keys and, as a result of the advice that I got I am now practicing all but G flat major [which I will soon get around to]. You and I have a great advantage because like you I don't mind practicing scales and arpeggios and I love playing in a concert band, especially when it is music on the edge of my ability, it you know what I mean. I had a first clarinet player come back and play third once and she remarked that she would be completely bored playing third all the time. I'll never get to her level, but I can't imagine being bored playing a good score with a band in whatever position.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
