janus-lawton's Blog

Re: Low C on the Flute

Relaxing the body works wonders for many problems on various instruments.

Re: Lesson Teachers and Band Directors as Judges

I think that cost is a major factor in urban areas and just warm bodies in the rural regions.  Ethical - probably not, but who can do anything about it?

Re: TMEA

What would be the goal of such a meeting?

Re: Clarinet Thumb Rest

Here is economical:   (and I know it is cheap, but to each his or her own)
[image]

Thumb-Eze Clarinet Thumb Rest Cushion -$1.49
 

-elwood

For beginners:  This is probably the best choice.

Texas Teacher Stabbed to Death by Student in Classroom

I thought this was so sad.  So random.

"A Texas teacher who helped children with special needs by playing them the guitar was stabbed to death by a juvenile student at a high school in Tyler on Wednesday morning, authorities said."

You can read the rest of the article here:

http://www.abcnews.go.com/US/texas-teacher-stabbed-death-student-classroom/story?id=8653789

Auditioning to teach lessons

I have noticed that more and more directors are requiring an audition in order to teach lessons in their district or school.  Is this becoming or will become a standard practice?  Has anyone on this board played such an audition?

Re: Masterclass Payments

$25 - $30 tends to be the going hourly rate as far as I know.

Re: How do you collect lesson payments?

I like the idea of Paypal also.  I have already begun to accept Paypal payments.    Even though there are the fees at least the payment won't bounce like a personal check.

Flute Events in Texas during the Summer '09

June 2009

Monday, June 8 - Friday, June 12

Flute! Fundamentals with Mary Karen Clardy

Denton, TX

www.mkclardy.com

Wednesday, June 17 - Sunday, June 21

Camp for High School Students with Mary Karen Clardy

Denton, TX

www.mkclardy.com

Monday, June 22 - Friday, June 26

Floot Fire Grapevine

Directors: Claire Johnson, Patti Grubbs-Mecklin

www.flootfire.com

For more information, contact Patti at pg1214@gmail.com or 214-924-8255.

Friday, June 26 - Sunday, June 28

Flute! Masterclass in Repertoire and Performance with Mary Karen Clardy

Denton, TX

www.mkclardy.com

Sunday, June 28 - Friday, July 3

Floot Fire Plano

Directors: Claire Johnson, Patti Grubbs-Mecklin

Custer Road United Methodist Church

Plano, TX

www.flootfire.com

For more information, contact Patti at pg1214@gmail.com or 214-924-8255.

http://www.texasflutesociety.org/ 

Re: Web links to instrument societies?

http://www.saxophone.org/  - Saxophone

http://www.nfaonline.org/  Flute

http://www.texasflutesociety.org/  Texas Flute Society

http://www.clarinet.org/about/  Clarinet

Re: What is/are your favorite Classical recording(s)?

I heard a great clarinet ensemble recording of The Barber of Seville years ago.  Wish I could remember the name of the ensemble.  It was fabulous.

Web links to instrument societies?

Sixharmonies -

Here is a suggestion:  Post some links to instrument society websites like IDRS or ITA.

Just a thought.

Re: Fibracell Reeds

This may be of interest to some of you.
The Great Reed Debate
[url]

-brianna

Thanks for the link.

Re: Where do most beginners purchase their horns?

Is this in the best interest of the students aside from having quality instruments being offered?  Prices seem somewhat high at most of these stores.

-1kim1

Prices can be considerably higher, but one can be assured of quality.  Many reputable stores offer warranty as well.

Re: Obama vs Cheney

Yes, very creepy.  Look at his eye!  The stare of death.

Re: Instrument makers in Texas

I know of a number of guitar and string shops in TX.  Not that this really answers the question.

Reminder - TAKS Testing

I am sure everyone already knows this, but this week is TAKS week.  April 27-May 1st.

Re: Fibracell Reeds

I have not heard of these.

Summer Lessons

A few questions: 

Do you teach Summer lessons at schools? 
Do you charge the same rate or do you have Summer rates? 
Generally what percentage of your students take lessons during the Summer?

I teach during the Summer.

Charge the same rate.

About 30% take during the Summer.

Re: Questionable Clarinets

....... It is amazing that you don't see more of these show up at the beginning of each year in your lessons. .....

-elwood

Good point!

Re: Does Obama really bring change?

Obviously there is and has been change.  Just watch the news, read the papers or look on the internet.  Not to hard to see.

-greely

Do I sense a little ambiguity here?

Re: Vandoren Reeds

In all fairness, Vandorens are still more consistent than most brands.

Re: School moving from 5A to 4A

I have a quick question, our school has decided (although a 5A school still) to move down to a 4A division in our next band year to compete.
Even though this has already been done is there anyway to decided to compete in the 5A marching contest even if we are 4A?
Also how does 4A region exactly work, since our students try out in a 5A bracket still, if they make 1st chair are they only allowed to play with the 4A region band?
Thanks.

-semajhs

Re: Questionable Clarinets

Brook Mays really screwed up on that one.

-jessi

Yes they really did didn't they.  But, they were right.  Just show that you have to be very careful these days.

Re: Vandoren Reeds

Yes.  There have been some changes.