 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2026-09-16 22:05
Hi All,
Have you ever thought about when and how your performing career would end? I don’t mean practicing, but just not being part of a band/ensemble of any kind or doing pit work? Personally, I have many, many decades of jazz gigs, symphonic band work, and made a good bit of money with my saxes and clarinet but realize that at some time down the road I will no longer play.
Technical problem are not an issue and my chops are still quite good. But lately, some things have become very tedious like long drives to and from a rehearsal or gig in all sorts or weather, lugging too much gear around, and running out of energy sooner than later; physical barriers are becoming more challenging every day.
Above all, I have nothing to prove to myself and I have pretty much “seen it, done it” without too many problems. Never have I lacked for fine musicians/people to perform with. It has been a great ride.
So, have you ever thought about “hanging it up…?” Or when is the right time to hold em’ and when to fold em?’
Any thoughts?
Hank (I am an octogenarian)
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2026-09-16 22:58
I just went “through” about a year of trying to judge personal satisfaction versus the ravages of time. It took a year off but I have gotten to a point where can glean some fun from continuing. For now.
…………Paul Aviles
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Author: kdk
Date: 2026-09-17 02:37
Hank Lehrer wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> Have you ever thought about when and how your performing career
> would end?
Yes, and I expect my performing career will end when I feel incapable of playing musically or when the people who ask me to play (whether for pay or gratis) no longer ask me. Or when I'm no longer safe on the road driving to the gigs.
I certainly don't play as cleanly as I once did. But I've worked out some problems that seemed to be age-related that it turned out I am able to mostly fix. So, until I can't play anymore, I expect to keep going.
Besides, I don't really know what else I would find to do.
Karl
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2026-09-17 03:54
I do think about that. I always thought folks hit their peak around 60 years of age. I based this entirely on when I felt my favorite clarinetist seemed to hit his peak.
That doesn't mean folks past that age don't play much better than folks half that age - it was just a perception I internalized as a young man...based on a sample of "one."
As thoughts tend to do - it sticks with me even though I have more experience now and understand 60 isn't the peak, after all. Since I formed the veiwpoint as a youngster - the idea has been around so long that it still serves as sort of a mile marker out there for me to reference.
I've listened to some folks who truly loved music and played much later than they maybe should have - their music suffered so badly that once-great players make a new-comer cringe at the sound.
At the same time, some of my favorite playing/singing is from some of these folks whose "best" (tone/technical abilities/control) days are behind them.
Lars Edegran brought Lionel Ferbos in for a couple albums when Lionel was 88-90 years old. I find myself always coming back to these albums - Some of my favorite music albums of all times/dates/performers. Perhaps Lionel's vocals aren't perfect by today's singing standards, but they fit - his trumpet playing too. These groups understand time and space. I appreciate that. I always find my mind drifting from what I'm doing, and focusing on their music when it comes into rotation. How much higher praise can I offer?
So, I guess to answer your question: whenever the joy is gone.
I hope I'll find joy playing long after the hassle of playing in larger groups (and toting stuff) has passed. At the park, at church, or even...at home.
Though, I must admit - every time something new physically fails with my body, or becomes painful/tedious...it makes me revisit the sad question.
Fuzzy
;^)>>>
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Author: Tom H
Date: 2026-09-17 08:37
I've played in quite a few bands and the occasional orchestra since 1973. Some of them have folded in the last 25 years (probably due to lack of MPFT monies). I remain principal clarinet in the Westchester Band (NY) and my playing there is 7 concerts in summer. I've been a soloist in a number of places over the years and 22 times with the WB. I joined this band age 31 and am now 72-- I often say "Hey, remember when we were young and all those old folks in the band? Now we are them". I did the Debussy in 2025 and hope to do the Weber Concertino next summer or the year after. That will probably be my last solo appearance as I just don't seem to have the same enthusiasm as in the past, and I feel the pressure to perform well more than before. How long I'll play is how long I'm still capable to be first chair. I probably won't then play 3rd clarinet in a non-paying community band. Time will tell.
The Most Advanced Clarinet Book -- Songburd Music (paper and digital)
Search title. Amazon.com (search Tom Heimer).
Boreal Ballad solo -- Songburd Music item -- search title.
Post Edited (2026-09-17 08:38)
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