[Dixielandjazz] Question !

[David W. Littlefield]

At 09:26 AM 2/22/2003 -0600, you wrote:
>If a twenty year old person, man or woman, came to you and wanted to learn
>an instrument so that he/she could play in a jazz band, (OKOM), and that
>person had a very good ear and sense of rhythm, which instrument would be
>the easiest to learn to play and perform at a respectable level??

Clarinet--most difficult (chops, tone, fingering, role in playing OKOM)
Tenor saxophone--easiest horn
Soprano sax may finger easily, BUT intonation is a dog to achieve and maintain
Cornet--next most difficult (chops, tone) 
>trombone
Banjo--easiest to start and shortest time required to become useful
>piano
>tuba
Drums--possibly fairly easy to start. I just saw/played with someone using
a thin superlight snare called "Laptop" that's played with plastic brushes;
it's basically just a frame with a head, with light snares under the head;
volume was perfect for small groups. The player was a drummer who brought
"Laptop" along for jamming; he knew what he was doing, played it very
effectively, showing it's not just a toy.
Washboard--not easy, too readily overplayed and too loud. 
>Other

--Sheik

>I have my own opinions, but interested in knowing how far off from other
>peoples opinions...
>Bob Romans