 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: feadog79
Date: 2008-05-13 17:18
I have a question for the college/university professors out there...
I have a student who's just starting lessons with me; she's a junior, and will be auditioning next year as a potential music education major. She's badly in need of a new instrument, so I'm helping her select a clarinet. I'm fairly open-minded when it comes to instrument brands; I used to play an R13, but now play a Lyrique. My inclination is that it would be best for the student to try a few different makes under my guidance (R13, YCL-CSG, Lyrique, maybe a couple others if they're available) and see what SHE likes. I think many of the top instruments have their advantages/disadvantages, and I don't want her to be overly influenced by any bias I might have.
HOWEVER...
At her school of choice, most of the students play R13, as do both professors (who have stated a preference for the instrument). If she were to prefer an instrument other than R13, would this potentially affect her getting into the school of her choice? I had another student this year get into two different schools playing an Arioso, but she has set her sights on one of the two outstanding schools in Western Pennsylvania; the criteria will be a bit higher.
On one hand, I want her to get the instrument that seems to work best for her, regardless of make (within reason, of course).
On the other hand, she will be my student for only a year...she will be somebody else's for at least four.
Any suggestions? I want what's best for her!
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Author: Liquorice
Date: 2008-05-13 18:19
"If she were to prefer an instrument other than R13, would this potentially affect her getting into the school of her choice?"
That would be very sad if it were the case. I teach and examine university level students (in Europe) and look for talent and ability at the auditions. I would find it really ridiculous to refuse a student because of the instrument that they play.
On the other hand, while teaching I may notice that the instrument that they play creates some difficulties (eg. bad intonation). In that case I would obviously encourage them to get the problems adjusted on the instrument, or if that is not possible then encourage them to buy a better instrument.
If you can help your student to pick a good instrument that works well for her then I can see no reason why it should be a problem for any audition.
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Author: S. Friedland
Date: 2008-05-13 18:22
You yourself have chosen the clarinet that more of us are choosing , the Lyrique which far surpasses the R-13 because of only two significant reasons: it is made from hard rubber, which will not permanently freeze the barrel to the first joint after a two-hour band rehearsal, and it is a much more economical instrument to buy with a far superior guaranty. The scale, to add another reason, is far better than the R-13, most of which have a sharp throat and a flat altissimo and a whole bunch inbetween. One has to choose four or more and then have the first choice tuned by a competent person.
BUT, your student will face harassment by those who have paid three-thousand dollars for a clarinet named Buffet, and there is a significant chance of the harassment by the two clarinet professors, which is, let us face it, not unheard of.
She should be free to choose, but some people are pre-prejudiced unfortunately, and you have already been notified thereof.
So, in the final judgement, it depends upon the fortitude of your student and her maturity.
Having taught at a university wherein this prejudice is readily apparent , I can attest to it, yet a more stable clarinet, which will not crack, especially after a couple of hours of playing away in a band, seems not to be the choice.
I have always believed that a University is for people who prefer to be unique and to think for themselves, however whatever the brand they choke you with it is morally and (for me) musically unacceptable.
Good luck and have courage.
Shrman Friedland
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2008-05-14 14:23
I have found Ridenour clarinets to be of consistent excellent acoustical quality, better than others costing much more, which to me means you should try about 20 unculled factory fresh ones of any other mass-produced make and model.
richard smith
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2008-05-15 01:52
I think you may have answered your own question. You mention that MOST of the students at the school of HER choice play R13. Nothing wrong with trying a few and seeing what she likes. Try to not let her know which instrument is which while she's sampling them. PLUS, if I may be so bold, I have a rising senior student planning on music ed and she's got an E11. For her it's a great horn, Buffet or not.
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