Clarinet anyone?

So today the Central Elementary School 5th grade music class had a little performance.  The first half should have been called the "Skylar Show".  The performance started off with Sky playing a couple solos and the director using him as the example on how to play the recorder.  Of course he played beautifully and I forgot my camera!

He was also chosen by the director to be a recorder tutor for any 5th grader who was struggling this year.  He loves music so much and signed up for Middle school band last night.  He is starting with the clarinet.  I would love to just go buy him one but even a plastic one that is good enough for band cost $800 new...at least in Tacoma, didn't check the local place, probably over 1K here in town.  The band director said to not purchase one from Costco or Wal-Mart or Sears because they are just not a good enough quality and normally don't last very long before needing to be replaced.

I ended up renting him one for $33 a month.  I am locked in for 3 months and a portion of the rent goes to purchase if we decide to do that down the road.  Not sure if he will stay with Clarinet or try something else.  Everyone has to either play flute, clarinet, trumpet or trombone for 3 months then they can move to the sax or percussion with the director's approval.

I would LOVE to find him a good used wooden clarinet.  So if anyone has one sitting in a closet, let me know.

Sky told me he hopes to learn all the instruments.  This could get expensive!

(Hopefully this video is watchable)

Here is a solo Sky did during an assembly at school on Monday when he was recognized for earning his black belt in recorder...Since he had already earned a black belt in the 3rd grade he was given alternative music to learn so he didn't get credit for something he had already done.  There were only 3 black belts given out this year.

 

He did hit a bad note but I still think he did very well!