AUTHOR: Brendan Holly
As I have experienced, there are many different ideas on how different equipment is used for creating the optimal situations for musicians. For example, at a recent collegiate festival I have attended, there were several musicians that had over twenty mouthpieces.
There is no argument that there are slightly different character tone qualities and colors that change between instruments, or mouthpieces. As I prepare for my career as a music educator, I am starting to think about budgets that I have and how valuable it is as a educator to have these at disposal. At the current rate for standard trumpet mouthpieces are around fifty dollars, and only increases from there for custom mouthpieces.
Even if as an educator, having a budget that allows for the purchasing of multiple kinds of mouthpieces, I am hesitant to purchase these other mouthpiece types. I believe that it is more productive for the students to learn how to play different tone colors or technique, instead of going the “easier” way of purchasing more equipment.
I agree.
ReplyDeleteWhy worry about a mouthpiece - at the elementary and junior high level a student should be working on becoming proficient on an instrument - a standard mouthpiece is fine. Honestly what is wrong with a Bach 7C. Spend the time teaching a student about good posture, proper breathing, good hand position (can't tell you the number of stuck valve repairs because of bad fingers or the number of squeaks caused by a slightly uncovered finger hole.)
As for budgetary concerns - spend the money on something really important - like more books on instrument technique, transportation money for buses so students can go to a concert, see a play, perform at a festival. And while your at it - buy some instruments for students with financial need. Playing the french horn in band may be the thing that keeps them going and maybe gets them a scholarship so they can go to college.
After all - isn't it about the kids. Do they really need multiple mouthpieces? Let them wait until college when they are mature in body and mind and can tell the difference between a large or small bore. Isn't it more important for them to learn about and appreciate music. Wouldn't it be great to see them 20 years after HS graduation playing in a community band? Don't think you need 20 mouthpieces to do that but you do need a competent and caring music educator.
I agree with your statement about the tone quality being a by product of the students' skill. When it comes right down to it, the musicianship and ear of the student is what makes the musicality of an excerpt or piece appealing, and not the equipment used
ReplyDelete