I remember, as a boy growing up, wanting to play the clarinet. I was in awe of Benny Goodman, Woody Herman and his Orchestra, and Artie Shaw.
After much nagging, my parents finally said I could have one if I practiced every day. I did. I even had a little report card that my dad had to sign off on to testify I had played for at least an hour that day. One slight problem is that my dad practiced as much as I did.
I found out later in life that my parents had to take out a loan to pay for the clarinet. It was a large expense at the time. I never was any good. I was always “second chair”; I think everyone after the “first chair” was a second chair. The first chair was my next door neighbor Ginger. Not only was she good at playing the clarinet but she played the damn piano as well. Her parents even bought her a piano.
NaBloPOMo #11
Oh Danny Boy! 
I love the clarinet! My daughter played/plays it and we took out a loan to buy her one too. She appreciated it though and enjoyed learning so it was worth it. It brings back lovely memories 🙂
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I had my clarinet for about 40 years. Sold it at a yard sale for $10. Two weeks later found a similar one, if not that one, at an antique store for $100.
DJ
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