I was honored to be passing on my craft to George who is himself an eminent educator and who sent me these very informative messages-

Barry,

This from Silverdale, where it is drizzling, cool, but feels right. It's fun to travel, but nice to be home. The six ocarinas made it back in perfect shape. Two have a nasty 'buzz' in the tone, but I'm confident I can figure out why, or simply make more.

I've been trying to figure out a way to glaze the entire ocarina, without affecting the tone, or getting glaze inside the instrument. It's possible that glaze inside would smooth out the air flow, though, and create a nicer tone. It should be fun to experiment. The second biggest problem with glazing is where to rest an instrument that has glaze all over. I'm thinking of building a tripod of wire or clay and hanging them from a hook that enters a hole. I'll keep you informed.

The biggest problem is how to glaze with out affecting the air passage, mouth piece, or fipple. I'm thinking of filling these areas with wax, dipping the ocarina in glaze, letting it dry, then carving the wax back out. The little that remains should burn out cleanly. Maybe.

I've just read your web site and am very impressed. Very comprehensive. With the addition of a buying site, you'll be set. While in London I saw plays, a concert, a movie, three museums, had a boat ride, and took 4 walks, but the best part of the trip was sitting across the table from you. I'll stay in touch.

Warm regards,

George

Barry,

As the class was making pinchpots I demonstrated making an ocarina with a popsicle stick and a pencil. By the end of the hour two boys had made them and gotten good sounds. At the next session I had ten (all boys for some reason) making them. A couple just couldn't get the idea that it had to be more than two holes. One was having problems with the 'hollow' part, but the other seven were off and running. We're firing tonight and have, I think 13 instruments in the kiln.

I've got two boys that are able to instruct the others and correct fipple problems.

We haven't gotten to tuning yet but I got the music teacher to make one and he'll be tuning his next, I'm sure.

I made a ceramic tripod with three legs that bend over and meet in the middle and have hung a wire from the junction. On this wire I dip-glazed one and hung it inbetween the legs. If the wire (high-temp) holds, we'll be able to glaze the whole thing. My daughter glazed a second all over and it's hanging from another wire/tripod. I've been thinking of taking a common nail, shoving it up through a base of clay to stabilize it and setting the hole of an instrument over it. We'll see.

I've given all of the kids your website and a few have been there.

I'm having a great deal of fun with this and really appreciate your knowledge, craft, and patience.

Warm regards,

George

-----Original Message-----

From: baz jennings

To: gsteed@worldfront.com

Date: Tuesday, December 07, 1999 7:48 PM

Subject: Flying

>Hi George,

> Just got round to scanning your pages,and its a great >feeling to have put the >craft info where it will do most good. I am honoured that an honored teacher >-approved >my teaching.Thankyou

>Best Wishes,

>Baz

One day basic lessons are availiable in Britain.April 2000 to January 2001.
They include all information about tools,making .materials and techniques to enable the student to continue independently.The classes are intensive with video support.The cost is £70. -including registration fee.