 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: blokecalledpaul-drums-clarinet
Date: 2007-02-04 10:46
Just wondering if you were strongly encouraged or even forced by your parents to play the clarinet or any other instrument. What has it resulted in today? Did you rebel and do something else?
Whats your story?
Paul
If the world didnt suck we would all fall off ![[up]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley24.gif)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2007-02-04 11:33
Nobody ever forced (or even coerced) me to practice, but I frequently got asked to quit hogging the piano bench and let Mom use it, or put away the clarinet long enough to let my brother practice the piano or his clarinet in peace. Small house!
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda ★2017
Date: 2007-02-04 12:38
We were encouraged to play the piano. My Dad bought the John W. Schaum piano course books, taught us what he knew and tried to get us to practice 1/2 hr a day, but he was wise enough to not make a big issue of it. We doodled on the piano a lot and nobody discouraged us.
The three of us were in what I now realize was a very small house. My Dad had also bought a metal clarinet from a second hand store when we were very small. Little by little other instruments found their way home, and by junior high my sister and brother were in chorus and band. They practiced in the basement. I bought an old wooden clarinet for $35. and joined them. I don´t know now how my Mom managed to stand the beginning musicians playing in the basement, but we spent many many hours down there practicing together or just trying out someone else´s instrument.
We always had music playing in the house, whether the FM radio which my Mom always whistled to, or the reel-to-reel tapes of classical music, or the LPs my Dad brought home from the radio station discards. We were always either playing or singing or listening - when we weren´t scrapping with each other or climbing trees, that is! So, no we weren´t forced to practice. Just try to keep us away from it!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: skygardener
Date: 2007-02-04 13:16
My mom was more or less a 'fan' of pop music. As much as I begged to have violin or piano lessons, I never got them. She didn't think classical music was anything to spend one's time on.
The school band program gave me a chance I wouldn't have had otherwise- I spent probably as much time practicing as I could. Once in a while I would hide when the band teacher was leaving and after a few minutes of silence I'd come out and practice a couple hours more before going home.
I still have a love for violin, though.
-S
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2007-02-04 13:29
My parents never "focrced" me to practice. They were encouraging to me, but I was the one who made the decision to take up clarinet in 4th grade. I had to spend my own money to get a really bad, brand new Bundy at the tiime. I started taking privately at the end of 7th grade (our school only provided lessons through 6th grade), and as 9th grade began, I got my first "real" clarinetr. It was a Buffet R13 my teacher ordered in for me.
As I had to pay my own money for my instruments, my parents left it up to me as to how much I would practice and or get involved with music in or outside of school. It was my choice, and as long as I kept up my grades, they didn't mind, but they never forced me to play.
Jeff
Post Edited (2007-02-04 13:30)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: stevensfo
Date: 2007-02-04 14:53
I DID rebel, but the other way around. From the age of 7/8 I desperately wanted to learn the piano, violin...in fact anything. My parents were totally uninterested.
We lived far from the school and in any case, the music dept was pretty dead.
At 18 I bought a classical guitar and taught myself to read music, then a spot of cello, piano, clarinet....etc
Today, our house is full of instruments and my kids play in the school orchestras and Big bands.
I guess I'm sort of making up for lost time!
Steve
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-02-04 14:56
I was very suggestively motivated (to put it mildly) to play. Back then it was common practice to get the kids started on recorder, for the ease of fingerings, low entry cost, to learn the notes and to find out whether a child was "gifted" enough or had the stamina to practise regularly.
I still find myself getting slightly nauseous and uneasy when I hear baroque music on grey Sundays (my class was on Monday and we had all these Minuets and Gavottes and I usually didn't practise during the week)
After 30 years of hard mental training <cough!> I finally got over that trauma.
That's why I don't force my own kids to learn that stuff. I would sit at the piano with them, however, and we play the lessons in parallel - me doing their stuff just one or two octaves lower.
--
Ben
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-02-04 15:09
I posted this before but here is the story of how I started to play clarinet.
My parents received (they didn't have any money to buy) some records and a patiphone (I think called record player in English) when I was born. One of them was Peter And The Wolf and it came with a book with pictures, words and some short samples of sheet music. They probably played it for me since I was born, but I only remember it from when I was about 5 when I imediately fell in love with the sound of the cat's clarinet.
I told my parents I want to play clarinet, and they didn't know what a clarinet was. I drew a picture of a clarinet and they kind of understood (once in a while they get upset because somehow they lost this drawing).
When I was about 6 years old I finally went with my parents to a conservatorium (hre it is a place where children start to learn instruments and music) and I told the old ladies there I want to play clarinet. They said only kids 10 years old or more can play clarinet, and I could play only piano, violin or cello. I cried and said I only want to play clarinet.....
We then tried another conservatorium and the teacher there said that only if I show talent and was cute she would accept me She gave me rhythm tests, she sang a rhythm and I had to repeat her. She sang the rhythms with Ta Ta Ta, but since the clarinet was the cat for me, I sang the rhythms with Miao Miao Miao. My rhythm was fine so she said she accepts me, but the problem was my hands were too small to play clarinet. She said she heard about some teachers in Holland that start kids on Eb clarinet and we can try that.
It took some time, but when I was about 6 and a half my grandparents came back from the USA with a Vito Eb clarinet for me. My parents were poor so they spent a lot of money on this (I think several hundred $US).
My parents never forced me to play or practice. My mom kept suggesting maybe I want to do other things too because she didn't want to limit me only to clarinet/music. At some point she figured out what I figured out when I first heard the cat - clarinet and music is for me. My parents sometimes advised me to practice more but never forced it.
"What has it resulted in today? Did you rebel and do something else?"
It resulted in me being a clarinet freak. I have too many CDs of classical, old jazz, modern jazz, modern music, anything with a clarinet. I have too many clarinets (so far only the four normal sizes). I went to music university to study clarinet jazz performance (but I basically play my own music which I consider jazz). In short I'm a professional clarinetist but not in the usual way. That's probably a result of never really rebelling because my parents encourged me to do what I wanted to do.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: EuGeneSee
Date: 2007-02-04 15:24
Like JJAlbrecht, I started school band in the 4th grade. We lived in Fairfax, VA in the mid-50's and I delivered a small afternoon paper, The Washington Daily News (long since defunct). I wanted to play the clarinet in the school band and my parents were very encouraging, however they wanted to insure that I would be serious about it, so I had to pay for the horn out of my meager paperboy earnings (plus what I could make mowing neighbors' lawns at 50 cents each).
I started on a school instrument, but my parents told me that I must save to buy my own. Once I had saved $20, I gave it to Dad and he bought (and paid for) me a shiney new B&H Edgeware through a friend of his who was a local musician. Then, he got one of those small receipt books, and I had to make regular monthly payments to him on the clarinet until I had repaid him what the horn had cost.
Did my parents make me practice? No, I usually was pretty good to practice, sometimes too much, but if I did have an occasion to skip practice to play or whatever, Dad or Mom would pull out the receipt book and remind me that I had a big (to me it was big) investment in that horn already, with more payments yet to come, so I need to be sure to get my money's worth out of it. After such a discussion of basic kid/horn economics, I headed to my room and practiced.
So, not only were my parents very supportive of my clarinet squawking, they also used it as a tool to teach me budgeting, pride in ownership, responsibility, etc.
By the way, I have 7 sisters and 3 brothers younger than I, 7 of which played something in the band, and all were encouraged to play something and all similarly paid for their instruments (2 x flute, clarinet, cornet, trombone, drums, & bells).
Eu
(Really, I mowed lowns -- I did not move them! Had to fix that.)
Post Edited (2007-02-04 15:30)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: blokecalledpaul-drums-clarinet
Date: 2007-02-04 15:44
I have 2 kids boy is 4 and daughter is 11. In september she starts a realy good school with a massive music dept. She can play a bit of kit drums and the keyboard so far. She tried the violin when she was 9 but lost interest after 3 months. Thinking about it i maybe should have started the violin myself just to encourage her. Well at the moment she's curious about my clarinet so i'll see what happens there. As for the drums; She's loving them. I got my son a play drum kit when he was 2 but next christmas santa's gonna get him a pro half size kit. I too have this idea that if there are lots of musical insruments in the house then its good for kids to pick up and put down as they please. The other day she asked me if i would get a sax and i said only if i get good on the clarinet though having said that she may take keen interest. She would pick the expensive instrument wouldnt she!
Oh by the way does anyone rate cortney pine?
paul
If the world didnt suck we would all fall off
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2007-02-04 15:46
My parents had to ask me to quit playng rathter than start. I used to drive everyone crazy with my scales, arpeggios and assorted music. Ah, for the "good ole days"--now, I practice not so much for the pure pleasure of it, but rather in fear that I will not play well at the next gig.
Fifty four years of clarinetting and still looking for a good reed.............
Post Edited (2007-02-04 15:47)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2007-02-04 16:30
No. My parents encouraged me to do the things I was interested in doing. From the age of 2 I wanted to play clarinet.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2007-02-04 17:04
I think my family had a split personality in regard to music.
On the one hand, my mother had played violin and string bass, and valued classical music, especially classical choral music. She took me to endless (high-level) choral concerts, and made sure I went to choir practice myself.
On the other hand, my dad had a beautiful tenor voice, but had no apparent interest in music that could not be sung in the shower. In fact, when the opportunity arose, he chose to attend a (Lutheran) church service distinguished by the fact that it was entirely spoken. A Lutheran church service without music? Almost an oxymoron!
So, the environment was alternately supportive and hostile, depending on which parent was calling the shots.
I had begged and pleaded for piano lessons from the time I can remember -- certainly from the time I was in primary school. But there were always a thousand excuses -- usually centered around the fact that we moved frequently, and pianos were too expensive and too big to be hauling from one town to another every few years. I did get a few months of piano lessons, given gratis by the school music teacher, on school pianos, after classes, and I practiced on the old upright at our neighbors' house.
That bliss was short-lived for me, because the teacher's only son was killed in an automobile accident, and she went into seclusion. Age 10 -- end of my piano career.
When I was 13, with no prior warning or consultation, my parents gave me a clarinet (a very old, very ugly clarinet) for my birthday. And thus began my own schizophrenic relationship wtih instrumental music. I both loved it and hated it. Loved it because, finally, I could make music. Hated it, because for me, the clarinet always seemed big and slobbery, and I didn't like the sound -- not just the sound I made; I just didn't like the sound of a clarinet.
I kept after it, and became reasonably accomplished (chronic first-chair player in every band I was ever in). But it still made me squirm. Fingernails on the blackboard feeling.
Finally gave it up three years ago, and, at an age when most people are thinking about what they will leave to their grandchildren, I started the oboe.
I'm in my second childhood now -- and these days, it's definitely a LOVE affair with the music.
Susan
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tode
Date: 2007-02-04 18:07
Both of my parents are musicians (mom plays flute and dad plays clarinet) so I started taking piano lessons at age 9, because my mother told me I had to. She had tried to teach me at 5 for a year or so but that didn't go too well. I took up the cello in 4th grade which lead to learning flute in 5th. Somehow in that summer, I switched to clarinet. I don't remember why, I just remember taking lessons from my dad. My grandfather also played clarinet, so he thought is was great that I was starting. He always wanted me to play for him and my grandmother (jazz pianist) when I came to visit.
My parents encouraged me to constantly try new things, so it took me a bit to settle down on clarinet. I would get bugged here and there to go and practice for solo and ensemble or district band. Other than that, I didn't get the real "Go practice!" until I was 16 and decided that I wanted to major in music. My parents wanted to make it clear from the start that the road of performance wasn't an easy one and requred a lot of time and effort. I felt at times as though I was being forced, but really my folks were just trying to make me realize what I was committing to.
I realize now that I am so greateful for my parents support and nagging. Heck, my mother still likes to remind me to go and practice (she's 18 hours away) eventhough I'm constantly in the practice room getting ready for my senior clarinet recital here at LSU.
My parents have been the solid foundation for why I started and am still playing music.
I can only hope that other people parents can be as supportive. Luckily, most of the parents of my students are.
~Sarah Todenhoft~
Geaux Tigers!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sockmonkey70
Date: 2007-02-04 18:48
I could say I ended up playing clarinet by default. We started band in Jr. High in the sixth grade (totally optional). Our band director started us off the first day of class with a table of instruments he provided to see what we liked, and may be interested in playing. He gave a demonstration of each horn (though he was best known for his AMAZING trumpet skills).
I picked the flute because that's what my best friend wanted to play, and I like the sound. And I played flute for a whole week before my band director gently let me know I would probably have a very hard time becoming good at the flute due to my tear drop lip. Not terribly heartbroken, I decided I wouldn't mind playing clarinet instead!
My mom always encouraged and supported my playing, and loved it when I practiced. But really, I was self motivated because I wanted to be the best clarinet player I could be. I played because I enjoyed the whole band experience, and I loved music.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: blokecalledpaul-drums-clarinet
Date: 2007-02-04 18:55
Hi Mary your lips look fine to me, however if you look at my pic you will notice i have a mouth full of chips (think you call 'em fries) so my lips aint looking thier best lol.
I had just been out for a walk in Wensledale, North Yorks when that pic was taken.
Paul
If the world didnt suck we would all fall off
Post Edited (2007-02-04 18:58)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: pzaur
Date: 2007-02-04 20:32
I had to play an instrument in 4th grade. My mom more or less forced it upon all three of her boys. The only stipulation was that we had to have the instrument in the house. Since my grandfather, a professional musician in the Chicago area, died earlier there was a collection of instruments. Two violins, one clarinet, and a saxophone.
No beginning sax at my school. We all had to start on clarinet and be moved over to sax after a year of playing clarinet, which I did. I still kept the clarinet going. I don't ever remember complaining too hard about playing and enjoyed it enough to decide to have a career in teaching elementary band!
My brothers both took slightly different paths. One quit because of time constraints between Varsity sports and music. The other plays casually.
I do feel that all children should have experience playing in the band or orchestra once that option is available. Even if it is for a year. General Music, in my opinion, at the elementary level is preparing students for a chance in band or strings.
-pat
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sockmonkey70
Date: 2007-02-05 02:03
LOL About the chips. I wish I had some right now
There is nothing techinaclly wrong with my lips, but the tear drop shape above my upper lip made it hard for my lips to form the proper shape to blow air into the flute.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: stevesklar
Date: 2007-02-05 02:26
My mom used to be a church organist many years ago. Everytime we visited her family members back down south i would fiddle with their piano.
My first thing i've ever learned to play was King of the Road on piano.
But i was coerced into going to the "instrument" overview class where I picked up my .. well, saxophone. I was a sax player first and picked up clarinet about 4 years later. And I kept at it, i kept learning more and more instruments. french horn, percussion (my fav the xylophone), flute, cello, etc
I still love playing sax & clarinet all the time.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chalumeau Joe
Date: 2007-02-05 03:22
Not forced to **play**, but forced to **choose** the clarinet.
Like many students, lessons started for me in the 4th grade. When asked which instrument I wanted to play, I chose, without a moment's hesitation...the trumpet.
I came home and proudly announced my decision to my parents, who immediately overruled me with the logic that I shouldn't play it because my brother played the trumpet (BTW, 38 years later, I still haven't figured THAT one out).
Mind you, I love playing clarinet (perhaps even more so now as an adult "re-learner"), but there's still a soft spot in my heart for the trumpet.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dano
Date: 2007-02-05 04:53
I was forced to not only play the clarinet, but to " preform" whenever my parents had company. Sometimes I could tell these people were bored to death and wanted to run home screaming but my parents were way too proud of their nerdy son to even notice. I think that is why I took about 10 years off from playing when I was a teenager. I still see my Dad's smiling face and tapping foot when I preform. Now he just looks older but has that same proud, smile.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: stevensfo
Date: 2007-02-05 10:44
-- "but there's still a soft spot in my heart for the trumpet." --
Joe, do you actually play the trumpet as well now?
My son started learning a few years ago and I often have a go myself. Not nearly as hard as I thought, though I can only manage 2 octaves on it.
The great thing is that all the music for trumpet can be played easily on the clarinet, so I often use the clarinet to see how it should sound before trying it on the trumpet.
I don't take it seriously, but it's great fun!
Steve
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2007-02-05 11:27
"forced to **choose** the clarinet."
Haaaaa............. There reason I picked the clarinet in fourth grade was, not because I had a good embouchure, nor did I particularily "like" the sound, but rather--with all those shinny keys--it looked REALLY interesting. My dad wanted me to "choose" the cornet, but all it had was three keys and a couple of spit valves.
If I only had known then what I know now about reeds...............
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: stevensfo
Date: 2007-02-05 12:09
-- "If I only had known then what I know now about reeds..............." --
Go to any brass forum and read their discussions about mouthpieces!!
Ask about which Vincent Bach MP you should choose, and the result will rival anything we have here about reeds.
At least reeds can be sanded/scraped, cut, thrown away etc.
;-)
Steve
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: EuGeneSee
Date: 2007-02-05 12:31
. . . and I am the official scarf-meister for our community band. My current quest is to capture a Conn-Helleberg mouthpiece for our tuba player. Between the trumpets, t-bones, tuba, etc., these brass folks have as many different gadgets to give them GAS attacks as we clarinettists. Eu
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: leonardA
Date: 2007-02-05 20:43
I was "expected" to practice piano 30 mintues a day, and I always did what was expected. I enjoyed being able to play, but practicing when I would rather have been "playing" was tedious at times. I'm grateful for my musical knowledge and ability now though, so I don't resent it.
Leonard
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chalumeau Joe
Date: 2007-02-06 00:43
Steve,
Yes, I'm trying to learn trumpet (my 9th grade daughter is my teacher). Like you, I can only manage about 2 octaves, but my goal is to screech like Maynard one day!
I'm having a lot of fun with it. I'm also learning to play sax (my son's tenor).
Joe
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Kchui999
Date: 2007-02-06 06:10
I started taking piano lessons when i was 6. For the first four years or so my father sat next to me while I practiced every night after dinner. I passed the ABRSM grade 8 piano exam last year and have not touched the thing since.
Chui
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Elkwoman46
Date: 2007-02-10 06:59
Was I forced to play an instrument as a child?
No, no money. Actually, I think with my history I ended up with some emotional complexes of sorts. LOL
I think my passion for music really got going because our grammar school loved music and periodically (whoever was in charge) was bringing guests into the auditorium. We had orchestras, opera, etc. visiting. I would sit there and began to dream of playing. Then about fifth or sixth grade a neighbor brought her son (about our age) to our house to play clarinet for us, and his mother was so proud. We too looked on in admiration of his first attempts.
I believe my parents checked into the idea of getting us into music, but it was so out of the question, price wise. Oh, and I do remember in sixth grade we got to see the San Diego Symphony on a school field trip and it further developed that dream.
A curious other note, while I grew up in a non-religious home, we did make an advent wreath with candles on it with real pine needles every year and we would indeed sing carols on the four Sunday afternoons before Christmas growing up, sitting there in the living room after cake and deluted coffee. As children we would sing and sing on those four Sundays. The song that became our family song was O' Tannenbaum. We sang a lot of songs in German.
Later I had a chance to borrow some school instruments (flute) but because of circumstances with that (not being available as sharing it with another student) etc. it all did not amount to much but a good time while it was.
I do think the emotional part of all this (my past) is that music was considered or became more like a cheap as possible hobby in the eyes of grown ups and never more. I have other instrument stories to share, but to answer the question, we were never forced to play anything, and in a way discouraged from pursuing it.
Therefore, I believe there is a lot of hidden talent in my family, and lately I've been exploring it more than ever, and I am not alone.
In my adult years I have ever enjoyed various instruments and have various lessons that were wonderful.
When I was at my best in clarinet, I could do "Yesterday" Beatles tune, and then things changed after that, as things often do, and I dropped off sadly due to some extreme changes due to life.
Picked it up from time to time.
I am very excited about getting my replacement clarinet; and in fact, I just might have a lady from church who might want to join me in relearning this instrument. (Still waiting for mine in the mail.) She is thinking about it, and has a clarinet from years ago in her house somewhere! I hope she will consider doing it; it would be so wonderful to practice with her, I believe!
I think the heart beat of this topic actually is not so much about being forced to play, but what did it make you today?
And when everything is said and done, I have come to realize this about music...it is the people who never quit that make it.
It is the people who quit that never make it. There is no inbetween.
I also believe that it is God who puts the desire in us, and that is what matters. When I look at life all these years, I see people with very little talents or major handicaps over come great obstacles, but it is the passion and pursuit and never giving up that makes a person great.
Can I ramble? LOL
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-02-10 11:50
If anything I was put off music at primary school as 'music' lessons were just singing, and there wasn't much emphasis on instrumental tuition - if any, except recorder which i wasn't interested in, and even then the school generally favoured the hoity-toits rather than us plebs - the posh kids were better for their image (incidentally - Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnsons fame was in my brother's class which was in the year above me, though I don't think he was involved in music at that time).
But when I moved to Canada in the early '80s all the children learnt flute as part of their music lessons, so I did flute for a year until we moved to Edmonton where instrumental tuition as part of the curriculum started at Grade 7 - must be something to do with the RC schools that instrumental music isn't really an option to primay school children!
By that time we moved back the the UK and I took up violin and bassoon at high school as they had instrumental tuition and instruments which is where my interest in music really started, then taking a much more in-depth interest in Baroque and Romantic music soon followed.
I ditched bassoon for alto sax, and then this opened up the world of Swing and Big Band - added clarinet and oboe, then flute later on as my interest in woodwind repair grew - I could at least make sure the instruments I worked on played when I finished them.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: larryb
Date: 2007-02-10 13:12
I was never forced, encouraged or discouraged. I think my parents made all their mistakes with my older brother. In a way, I benefitted.
But I started late - I took up alto saxophone on my own initiative in high school, although my school had no music program. I think I startled my father when I showed up at his office one afternoon with my sax teacher and asked on the spot for $400 to buy a Selmer Mark VI alto from a pawn shop. What a deal, in retrospect.
My teacher (a blue collar Broadway multi instrumentalist who I found through the musician's union), started me on clarinet and was getting me geared up for flute, when he suddenly passed away (i found out when I showed up for a lesson and he wasn't there).
After that, I took clarinet lessons from Charlie Neidich's father, who also taught a friend of mine.
My parents didn't have to force or encourage. I do wish I had started earlier (middle school). Still playing, though.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: SVClarinet09
Date: 2007-02-11 23:05
My first instrument(guitar), I took up on my own and got my own teacher. Clarinet...my 2nd instrument...was more of my parents pushing me to it. I didn't wanna play it. I wanted trumpet or Alto Sax. I got clarinet because my parents thought an alto was too expensive to rent and didnt want me to play trumpet. i was never there to pick out my clarinet so I got home to an old Selmer 1400 which did me well for a couple of years(9th grade) Between the years I went through my phases. By the time I got to ninth grade i started getting into clarinet. I started getting new equipment, lessons, etc. Now I moved up to a Selmer Paris Omega, still using the same mouthpiece I had on my 1400 and I'd never trade clarinet for any other instrument even though I double on bass for youth orchestra.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mike S.
Date: 2007-02-12 00:18
No, I remember back when I was 5, I wanted to play piano, so I got lessons. In the 5th grade, I ended playing the violin. That got boring easily, so I moved to cello. My cello that we rented went back to the shop before the last concert of the year when I was in the 6th grade. Over that summer, I decided I wanted to play sax, since my dad told me he knew how to play...40 years previous. So, after fixing up a YAS23 and getting lessons, I wasn't forced to play, but rather expand my horizons. So, later that year, I begged for a clarinet to learn as well. So, because of my enthusiasm, I got my cousin's Vito plastic clarinet, and used it for the summer. Then I went even further with music that I got my Gem. 2SP out of my local newspaper. That was in 7th grade. Finally, I gave my cousin back his clarinet and asked my parents for a tenor. So, for 8th grade, I got a tenor sax. But, then last year, I bought a Normandy 4 from a friend for my birthday. Between the Vito and the (I believe it's an) L4, I struggled finding a clarinet to enhance my skills, and acquired a plastic Bundy, and a Kalison & Sons metal clarinet to hold me over. I then played bass clar. in 8th grade orchestra at my school, bassoon last year, and this year I play clarinet and oboe in the orchestra. Then in July, I gave in and bought a piccolo! But, no, I was never forced to play, but rather chose to play. Finally, this year my parents decided to get me organ lessons since we got an old Hammond M3 a few years ago and didn't really use it til now. But, no because of my dedication to music, my parents didn't force me to play. But they do remind me to practice organ every so often lol!
-Mike
Recorders(SSAT), piccolo/flute/alto flute, oboe, clarinets(Eb/Bb/bass), saxophones(SATB)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
