Last night I got my clarinet out again and practiced. I’m not in a group right now, and I’m not taking lessons, so I don’t have anything in particular to prepare. I decided to break out H. Klose’s Celebrated Method for the Clarinet, which my first teacher called “the clarinet Bible” and insisted that I buy a copy. I decided that I would work through it from front to back. I’m not sure if that’s the way it was intended to be used, but I am the methodical sort and I need a plan. So far, it’s working for me: I was able to play for almost an hour last night, and my tone is coming back.
I have been in two chamber ensembles, and each was a great joy to me. Oddly enough, they were both trios, and both were formed essentially the same way: one of my friends was wanting to start a group, and they asked me if I wanted to be part of it. Then the two of us went looking for a third person to make it complete. In a nice bit of continuity, the “third person” in the first trio became the “friend” in the second trio.
This time I am the first person rather than the second, and it’s more of a challenge for me. I hope I have a friend who will be willing to join me on this journey.
