January 2017 | Bret Pimentel, woodwinds

Favorite blog posts, January 2017

January 1, 2018January 31, 2017 by Bret Pimentel

The flute bloggers have been busy this month.

Cynthia Ellis offers some ideas on altering flute fingerings with the right pinky.
Saxophonist Bill Plake provides some clarity on economy of movement vs. economy of effort.
Flutist Nicole Riner shares some ideas and resources related to the importance of hard work over talent.
Clarinetist Chastine Hofmeister gives some advice to young musicians on solo competitions.
Flutist Jolene Harju offers suggestions on rejuvenating your warm-up routine.
Flutist Nicole Chamberlain suggests prioritizing.

Low reed stand showdown: K&M vs. Hercules

January 24, 2017 by Bret Pimentel

Overall, I guess I lean toward the Hercules a little for bass clarinet, mostly because I could add, say, pegs for B-flat and E-flat clarinets and be ready for a utility clarinet gig. And I like the K&M slightly better for bassoon because its larger, softer cup makes a better target during a quick instrument switch.

Staying challenged

March 14, 2017January 18, 2017 by Bret Pimentel

I teach a small woodwind studio at a small university. That means that sometimes especially talented and hardworking students find they don’t have a lot of competition for ensemble placements, awards, and other things. Here’s what I suggest to students in that position, who want to stay motivated and challenged but have bumped up against … Read more

Musicians should embrace carry-on baggage fees

January 3, 2018January 7, 2017 by Bret Pimentel

People are outraged over an airline’s announcement that its cheapest fares will no longer cover carry-on baggage. (This isn’t the first time that airlines have charged fees for carry-on bags.) My experience flying with musical instruments as carry-ons has been stressful at best. This passage from an economics textbook rings true to me: The battle begins in the gate … Read more