I know the advice I am about to offer will garner great dissent. But I simply have to share it nonetheless. I am not trying to trample on tradition, but rather offer what I think is sound advice for young (actually any age!) clarinetists. By using a neck strap to hold up and bear the weight of the clarinet, the right thumb simply balances and positions the instrument. This allows the right wrist, thumb, and fingers to be relaxed and more flexible as they move, far less encumbered by tension. Have your clarinetists try it and watch as their posture, instrument position, and fluidity of motion improve while their fatigue issues subside, all with the simple use of a neck strap.
Peter Loel Boonshaft, Director of Education
KHS America
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We look forward to the evolution of this exciting program, and welcome feedback on how we can further enhance the work that you do in music education.
We are excited to offer your program the opportunity to join the KHS America Academic Alliance today.
PA elementary band teacher and clarinetist here. Totally support clarinet neck straps for my elementary students. I spent years pushing proper posture and instrument position without neck straps. Students would end up holding their clarinet half the time with their knees let alone with the right hand. A neck strap is a lifeline for a fourth grader learning to holding the instrument correctly!
This just makes too much sense to ignore! Thanks Dr, Boonshaft!