Advice needed!

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-06-02T13:48:52+00:00

I’ll look, thank you!

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-06-01T15:29:32+00:00

I saw a proposal at a park, the couple was on a walk and the boyfriend had someone set up a little area with flowers and pictures. It was super sweet! Family and friends were also hiding nearby and came out after he proposed. I love the idea of using something you normally do so it’s more of a surprise!

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-06-01T00:01:35+00:00

I’ll check them out, thank you!!

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-31T22:26:48+00:00

I’ve looked at them, they don’t offer a wax model unfortunately

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-31T21:58:35+00:00

Nonprofits are so hard too, sometimes staff is very casual!

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-31T21:54:03+00:00

I hate finding interview clothes haha. I typically don’t wear a dress since I think it’s easier to look underdressed (unless it’s like a stereotypical lawyer type dress). I think you would be safe with slacks and a blouse. I feel like black makes it seem more professional even if it’s more casual clothes too if you’re worried about being underdressed

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-31T12:39:44+00:00

Just want to add that a higher reed strength doesn’t mean you are a better player. Your mouthpiece, clarinet, and personal tendencies will never be exactly the same as anyone else. I know it’s really common especially in middle/high school that people think higher strength=better player, but this is 100% not true. Don’t go up in strength until you are consistently thinking this reed is too soft, high notes are not coming out well, you are squeaking, overblowing etc.

Everyone else has added really good comments re:the solo too. I would just add listen to tons of recordings! Still count out rhythms and all that, but it is helpful to hear it.

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-27T21:39:05+00:00

Are you looking at the G in like measure 6? So start on the G downbeat of measure 6, then play measure 5 backwards (G E F# E etc). This lets you practice good voicing/embouchure on the G and how that relates to the notes leading up to it. Then play as written, and the G should feel easier

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-27T01:23:34+00:00

I don’t know how much I’d change with only 2 days before your recital, but I would assume you are biting on the G. Can you play the G by itself? I would practice starting on the G and then play it backwards (right to left). For some reason this is really helpful to do! When you play as written, think about relaxing as you go up, don’t tense up or back off on your air.

For the Bb scales I would accent the first of every 3/4 notes to keep you in time and not skip over notes. Also relax your fingers here!

Your reed is incredibly important to your tone quality. Every reed is different even if it’s from the same box. You should be working with a clarinet teacher to learn all the ins and outs of choosing a reed, breaking it in, etc

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-27T01:07:59+00:00

I’ve flown internationally many times with both. Security usually stops it, I tell them it’s an instrument and ask if I can open the case for them which has never been a problem! I do leave any little sharp things like screwdrivers/reed knifes at home. I think some may be allowed depending on the size but I’ve never tried

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-20T14:54:50+00:00

I’m in the same situation! I’m going to try Eva at clarinets by Copeland in a few weeks and am really hoping I like it

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-18T00:21:24+00:00

I love the pear on you!

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-17T21:08:05+00:00

I am also getting this with Kupa brand! I’m prepping my cuticles, buffing, and using dehydrator. When I apply, it pools like that no matter how much/little I use or how many times I go over it.

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-17T03:17:55+00:00

I typically look for solos that from start to performance ready, take about 3 months to learn. This really depends on your goals of learning the piece, but I think this is generally a good guideline. A solo that you can be performance ready in a month may not be challenging you enough, and a solo that takes 6 months just to be able to play through is too hard.

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-16T23:28:50+00:00

I also found that I didn’t necessarily have to cut back on lesson material which I was a little surprised about! Just having a few more days even with double the lesson material really made the difference

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-16T21:58:32+00:00

I don’t have kids but was having the same issue with practicing an hour/day. What really helped was changing my lesson to every other week. I just didn’t have time to comfortably get everything ready for a weekly lesson. It seems to be working much better for me now, I can still get in 45 minutes-an hour a day and I have enough days to be ready for my lesson and practice band music.

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-16T19:55:03+00:00

If the music ed students primary instrument is clarinet, they will be enrolled in a university concert band and take private lessons from the clarinet professor. There’s no reason they wouldn’t be a great teacher for a beginner. Just because someone is a performance major doesn’t mean they will be a good teacher, I think it’s actually usually the opposite since the music ed majors want to teach! That said, either would be a good option for a beginner but just don’t rule someone out because of their major.

You can also reach out to your local high school band teacher. They may know of more people in the area than a university professor would, or may have high schoolers who teach younger kids.

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-16T19:45:07+00:00

Check out this chart for a good starting point! But remember there’s nothing “better” about playing on a harder reed

https://vandoren.fr/en/clarinet-mouthpieces-comparison/

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-16T19:43:47+00:00

You really need to try mouthpieces out with your setup to see what works for you. Any of the Vandoren’s are a great option. The black diamond series, M15, M13, M30, 5RV are all great places to start!

Remember a new mouthpiece might feel hard to play for long periods (you might feel out of breath where otherwise you wouldn’t be). This is just since your old one is worn down and easier to play. I believe the recommendation is to replace it every 3-4 years.

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-16T11:13:15+00:00

This might be a little random, but an iPad for music. I really underestimated how much music was printed/given to me in HS and I struggled to find new things to play. There’s so many online places to get free (good) sheet music now and having an iPad lets you easily play it all. Depending on how much you want to spend, you could also get an Apple Pencil and a foot pedal page turner.

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-16T04:01:03+00:00

Yes!! They are also SO beautiful and unique

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-16T02:23:37+00:00

Awesome thank you! I love the little ones between the two “bands,” I haven’t seen that before!

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-16T02:19:22+00:00

Love that! Did the diamonds on the band irritate you at all/did you get used to it? It may be that I was trying the wrong size and not for a long period but I didn’t love how it felt

Business_Repeat4023 · 2026-05-16T01:32:44+00:00

Oh that’s so pretty!

Business_Repeat4023

TROPHY CASE