Julie DeRoche

Clarinet Faculty; Coordinator Woodwinds, DePaul University
President-elect, International Clarinet Association

It is difficult to write about clarinet playing in a short space. There are so many aspects to the subject. First are all of the technical challenges - beautiful sound (which means something different to each clarinetist), great articulation, proper embouchure, correct holding and hand positions, what type of equipment to use, etc. etc. All of these things are the subject of many lessons, many books, and many hours of practicing.

But why do we need to worry about these things, and why do we work so hard to achieve success at them? I believe that knowing how to comfortably and confidently use the instrument allows us to do what we most enjoy - create music. And music is a rewarding and beautiful expression of life and our feelings. I have often been busy and tired, or frustrated with my clarinet, and have not wanted to practice. But I have never been any of these things when I play music. Whether I am in an ensemble of any sort, or playing an unaccompanied solo, it is the music that makes clarinet playing worth the trouble - that makes me feel compelled to practice. As a student, you must always remember this. Diligence, integrity, and preparation will give you the rewards of music making - and they are absolutely worth it.

Artists

• Richard Hawkins
• Julie DeRoche
• Dr. Robert Spring
• John Cipolla
• Dr. Diane Cawein Barger
• Christopher Hill
• Michèle Gingras
• Mitchell S. Estrin
• Michael Drapkin
• Dr. Linda Bartley
• Ben Armato

• Rose Sperrazza