[Dixielandjazz] Expert advice

[Stan Brager]

Bill;

Here is a copy of your letter I found on the internet with some additional
information and comments:

The following is a letter from Herbert L. Clarke to Elden Benge.
Perhaps one of the great ironies (Webster's 3rd usage) of the trumpet world.
 

                            ---------------
                           ANGLO CANADIAN LEATHER CO.
                                      BAND
    ( picture of Clarke      Huntsvile, Ontario
          here )                   Canada

                                     Jan.13th
                                       1921
        Mr. Elden E. Benge
        Winterset, Ia.

        My dear Mr. Benge:-

                         Replying to yours of the 19th just received, would
        not advise you to change from Cornet to Trumpet, as the latter
        instrument is only a foreign fad for the time present, and is only
used
        properly in large orchestras of 60 or more, for dynamic effects, and
        was never intended as a solo instrument.

                          I never heard of a real soloist playing before the
        public on a Trumpet. One cannot play a decent song even, properly,
on
        it, and it has sprung up in the last few years like "jaz" music,
which
        is the nearest Hell, or the Devil, in music. It polutes the art of
Music.

                           Am pleased that you are making improvements in
your
        playing. Keep it up, and become a great Cornet Player. You have an
        equal chance with all the rest, but you must work for it yourself.

                           Wishing you all the best of success, I remain.

                                           Sincerely Yours

                                 (signed) Herbert L. Clarke

                                  --------------------------
Comments:
1. Winterset, ia. is not an identified
2. The "19th" date is unclear. (sentence 1)
3. I was only 2 years old at the time of writing, hence have no first hand
knowledge of the mood and prejudices of the Cornet players of the 1921 era.
4. The Header was done in very fancy ornate Gothic style type
5. The copy of the letter was obtained from Givan Lotz of Lotz Music in
Seattle, Wa.

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