-Monthly Practice Tips - Create a 'music area'-

Maintaining enthusiasm for any instrument can be difficult but there are many ways in which playing can be encouraged. Though mainly aimed at young children, these tips are equally transferable to the adult beginner/player. Each month we will discuss different ways of making practising the clarinet more enjoyable and rewarding.

It is important to create a dedicated practice area - a quiet and secluded, permanent music area where your child feels they can play as loudly and/or as badly as they like without disturbing anyone.
I was frequently told to 'play quietly' or 'practise in the other room', this creates a negativity surrounding the instrument and will cause children to become embarrassed of their playing! Equally well, the player needs to not be disturbed themselves, by a sibling, the television etc..

Decorate a music-area together that can be their own space. This need not be an entire room, just a small area in the room ideally with natural light. Erect a music stand and leave it there permanently.
A progress chart on the wall may also help to track improvement - stars can be awarded for 5 correct repetitions of a scale, for example. For the adult beginner or older child, a clarinet stand can be used, keeping the clarinet out of its case and visible to encourage practising.

-Featured Clarinetist of the Month-
David Campbell

David Campbell is internationally recognised as one of Britain's finest musicians and was described by the doyen of British clarinetists, Jack Brymer, as 'the finest player of his generation'. Over the past twenty years he has built a magnificent solo career performing in over forty countries with leading orchestras and ensembles. David is also passionate about music education. He holds positions as a Director of Winds at Canterbury Christ Church University and Head of Woodwind at Westminster School. He is the UK Chair of the International Clarinet Association, and has represented the UK at the international clarinet conferences in London, Quebec, Ghent, Lubbock, Paris, Ostend, Salt Lake City, Stockholm and Vancouver!

We are delighted that David has taken some time out from his busy schedule to do a quick interview for our FriendlyFlutes readership!

At what age did you start to play the clarinet?

I was eleven and only took up the clarinet because the piano teacher at school had just left but there was an old clarinet in the cupboard and a teacher who taught on Tuesdays!

What did you find hardest when you first started playing?

Probably putting the reed on properly. My teacher helped me in the lessons but probably because it was an old instrument with a rather flimsy, slightly bent, metal ligature it was very difficult to align the reed properly. When I got my Boosey and Hawkes Regent clarinet, after sticking with the old school instrument for about 8 months, I remember that it was much easier.

What was your first clarinet?

The school clarinet I started on was a closed hole type (like some flutes or a bass clarinet), manufactured to help sax players who wanted to double on the clarinet

If you could give the beginner clarinetist one piece of advice what would it be?

Develop a beautiful sound and have a good selection of reeds. Even on the most basic plastic clarinet a good reed, such as a Vandoren Traditional reed strength 2 or 2.5 with a good ligature - the Vandoren Leather ligature or a BG Super Revelation - will make a much better sound.

What is your favourite piece of music for the clarinet?

Probably the Mozart Clarinet Quintet for sheer beauty of form but I also love playing the Copland Concerto.

What types of music do you like listening to?

All chamber music - especially string quartets, Mahler Symphonies, Mozart Operas, but also jazz and tango music and I love film scores. The English Patient is a real favourite.

What has been your favourite performance/gig to date?

There are so many - playing two concerts at Sydney Opera House, a concert of Clarinet Quintets at the Wigmore Hall for my 50th Birthday and recently working in Canada with Flute legend, Emanuel Pathud, oboeist Hansjorg Shellenberger, and bassoonist Gustavo Nunez.

Thanks David!

For more on David, visit his website: http://www.campbelldavid.com/

-This Month's Clarinet Highlights-

Below is a selection of clarinet concerts from around the country this month. Inspire or be inspired by professional clarinetists!

15/08 Yorkshire Wind Orchestra, conducted by Keiron Anderson, Knaresborough
26/08 Rossini - Ellie Eden, Becker Symphony Orchestra, St Mary's Church, Kent
30/08 Catriona Scott at the Presteigne Festival, St Andrew's Church, Pembridge
31/08 Luca Luciano, St Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar Square
12/09 Colin Lawson, Mozart Clarinet Concerto, Milton Keynes

*For further information on these events please "google" them*

-August Playlist-

If you can't make it to the concerts you can still be inspired by listening to some of the great clarinetists at home. This months playlist contains three classical and three contemporary pieces featuring the clarinet.

Tomorrow We'll See - Sting
Clarinet Quintet In A Major, K. 581: II. Larghetto - Mozart
Clarinet Marmalade - Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Adagio, from clarinet concerto - Mozart
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant - Billy Joel
Trio in B-flat Major for Piano, Clarinet and Cello. Op. 11:1. Allegro con brio - Stoltzman

***Listen now using spotify***
Click here to load the FriendlyFlutes Newsletter playlist onto your spotify!

-Maintenance Tips-

This month our maintenance section focuses on pads and extending their life. See below for a video on pad cleaning papers and how to use them correctly.

-FriendlyFlutes Community-

We're building a community of students and parents on our FriendlyFlutes Forum. Both adults and children are welcome on the forum, which requires a quick, free registration. The forum is fully monitored by ourselves to provide a fun and safe environment. We aim to be the first online community dedicated to clarinets and flutes in the UK, a place where musicians and their loved ones can share tips and ideas. It is also a great place to ask questions and get advice.

-Monthly Prize Draw-

Each month we will be giving away a musical related prize to a lucky member of the FriendlyFlutes Forum. This month's draw will take place on the 12th September and the winner will receive a pair of Bone China, real platinum 'stars and clefs' mugs handmade by Music Gifts!

FriendlyFlutes are also on facebook! Become a fan of us and keep up to date with the latest news and concerts.

An archive of all newsletters will be regularly uploaded to our website: www.friendlyflutes.co.uk