High school and middle school students play the saxophone to distinguish good instruments from poor instruments in an effort to teach buyers what to look and listen for when purchasing an instrument. Don Lawrence/The Lion’s Roar

The department of music and performing arts held its third annual Single Reed Day workshop, which attracted students and professionals who play either clarinet or saxophone. It was held on Saturday, March 24 in the Pottle Music Building from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. At the workshop, attendees of all ages were educated about why people like music, how to properly shop for an instrument and how to find the instrument that is right for them. Some attendees had been to the event all three years, and coming out every year broadened their horizons about their passion.

Freshman music major Brandon Gordon has been to Single Reed Day since its start, and attending the event affected his decision to play at the university. 

“I really enjoyed it,” said Gordon. “I came the two years before I came to school here, and I always enjoyed it. Each year it continues to get better and better. This year they brought in more vendors and more variety of the things in the exhibits. There’s a wide variety for clarinets and single reed.” 

Throughout the day, professionals emphasized health and protection regarding clarinets and saxophones and how musicians get injured from playing them. 

Co-Owner of Lohff and Pfeiffer Wolfgang Lohff taught attendees how to check for sound instruments in his master class.

“Just because one sound’s a lot better than the others at the time doesn’t mean it is made for you to play,” said Lohff. “We all have different mouth structures, so it’s important to mix up the pieces of an instrument because it’s like a puzzle. If you have an instrument and it’s starting to play out of tune, don’t buy a brand new instrument. Get the one you’re comfortable with upgraded.”

Professor of Clarinet at Texas A&M University Dr. Mary Druhan taught a master class and shared why people enjoy music.

“Musicians that suffer from dementia won’t remember their family members, but they’ll remember their music,” said Druhan. “We love music because it plays on our emotions and thoughts. We are considered air artists, and with air, we as musicians have the ability to make people laugh, cry or smile because part of being a musician is telling your story.”

Druhan discussed the importance of air in her craft.

“Nowadays, we have the impression that air is just this thin matter over us,” said Druhan. “When you think about it, life starts and ends with air. The way we use air is crucial because it is energy one must learn to transfer from one’s mouth to the ear of the audience.”