Bill, I looked up Hoffer. What a fascinating guy! You've inspired me to read True Believer.
I think perhaps you're also making a commentary about Valerie and her advocacy of the BE system. We've all seen players who are constantly searching for the one true thing (horn or mouthpiece), or way (teacher, guru, exercise), that will unlock the mystery that is horn playing. In my mind, there is no doubt that we all arrive at our current level through a myriad of factors. We focus on one thing at our peril. I find myself wishing for the ease of an 'answer' when my playing takes a southbound turn. In one of those turns, I learned about BE; and while I'm not placing all of my horn playing eggs in that basket - or any other - I have found it a valuable tool that, carefully and thoughtfully applied, has sharpened both my ability and my consistency. Since we'll never know 'all' about horn playing, openness to new ideas becomes us. What works for Joe Amazing Talent (or at least - what Joe thinks is working for him) may not work for Jane Modicum Ability. I salute Jeff Smiley for his willingness to break with convention, not for the breaking's sake, but in search of success. His goals seem to be discernment of what works, not honoring (or dishonoring!) any past teacher or idea or school of playing. Sandra Clark Toledo Symphony _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
