With the publishing of this paper 'online', this page cites other issues raised in response by interested people.
"Size" and "Culture/Ethnicity" :
Date: Sat., 05 Jan., 2002 - 22:14:28 -0800.
"I have a couple of additions for your file that are true in the U.S., at least. First, lots of students pick instruments based on the size of the instruments. For example, lots of students (male and female) would prefer flutes or clarinets because they fit in a backpack! To try to overcome this problem, all students who play the large instruments (baritone horn, tuba, tenor sax, trombone, cello, etc.) are issued on instrument they can keep at home and use a different one in class - needing only to carry the mouthpiece back and forth.
I also think students pick instruments based not just on what is gender related but culture related. For example, about half of our students come from Hispanic homes. Mariachi music is really big in their houses and strings (violins, etc.) are an important component of Mariachi music. Translation: I have a fair number of male students playing instruments that in another culture might be considered female instruments."
Vivian Euzent
Sunnyvale, Ca., U.S.A.
Many thanks for your response Vivian.
L.P.
