And so it begins!

Welcome to the Claricyaeum [Clar-i-see-uh m]. Here I will write about various aspects of clarinet and saxophone education, equipment, and performance that I think need discussion. A good teacher is always learning, so if you have questions, or disagree with how I handle certain situations, please post your constructively critical and polite comments below. If you think you have a better way, please post those as well. I don't know how  scholarly I'm going to be in citing my sources, but if anyone is concerned about where I get my crazy ideas, I'll happily provide sources.

Here are just a few of the topics I'll discuss in the future:

• How to handle reeds
• How to maintain your instrument
• Emergency repairs you can do yourself
• Breathing
• Embouchure
• Voicing/tongue position
• Articulation
• Repertoire

I will also, from time to time, provide critiques of local performances that I happen to attend. There will also be reviews of the seemingly never-ending stream of things one can buy as clarinet and saxophone players. If it is warranted, I will then provide you with the less expensive and maybe free alternatives to those often expensive gadgets.